Mascherano

[manwithnoname]

[quote author=Jack D Rips link=topic=40914.msg1133276#msg1133276 date=1278664478]
If we're selling him we need to do it quickly. No point getting 30M on the last day of the window
[/quote]

Unfortunately, when trying to extract the best price, the game of brinkmanship often means it does go right to the last few days.

 

[Judge Jules]

[quote author=Squiggles link=topic=40914.msg1133269#msg1133269 date=1278664262]
Mascherano is a fine player who we will miss, which is why Inter Milan and Barcelona are interested in him. But for £30M we can improve the team as a whole, and I'm confident we will do so.

We need to sell him this summer and be done with it.
[/quote]

If he's determined to go, I'd reluctantly agree. If he isn't, I certainly wouldn't. I'm less confident than you that we'd improve the side overall - such major changes are always risky, not least in this case since Masher's departure will mean every player in the team having to do more defending whoever we end up buying.

 

[Squiggles]

[quote author=Judge Jules link=topic=40914.msg1133288#msg1133288 date=1278664982]
[quote author=Squiggles link=topic=40914.msg1133269#msg1133269 date=1278664262]
Mascherano is a fine player who we will miss, which is why Inter Milan and Barcelona are interested in him. But for £30M we can improve the team as a whole, and I'm confident we will do so.

We need to sell him this summer and be done with it.
[/quote]

If he's determined to go, I'd reluctantly agree. If he isn't, I certainly wouldn't. I'm less confident than you that we'd improve the side overall - such major changes are always risky, not least in this case since Masher's departure will mean every player in the team having to do more defending whoever we end up buying.
[/quote]

I stand by it. We'd be a better team with a decent LB and a new midfield partnership, which should be achieveable for £30M. Masher spent most of last season covering up for Insua (and Johnson at times), as well as compensating for Lucas' uselessness. Obviously he's the best player in the world at covering all these gaps, but these gaps need addressing and I doubt we have the finances to rectify them unless Masher signs away, and I think it's quite clear that he's determined to go. "I'm learning Italian". What a fucking cunt.

I was also going to say: "On the big European night's we'll miss him".

Hahaha -cries-

 

[Stulikesdrums]

[quote author=doctor_mac link=topic=40914.msg1133260#msg1133260 date=1278663812]
[quote author=Stulikesdrums link=topic=40914.msg1133259#msg1133259 date=1278663729]
[quote author=spider-neil link=topic=40914.msg1133248#msg1133248 date=1278663145]
[quote author=Jack D Rips link=topic=40914.msg1133246#msg1133246 date=1278662834]
I thought Mascher was by far our player of the season last season. I for one dont want to see him going
[/quote]

better than pepe? okay...
[/quote]

Yes Spider. Better than Pepe...


1. Mascherano..................10 first..........9 second.......7 third........84 points
2. Reina..............................9 first...........2 second........6 third........57 points
3. Lucas.............................4 first...........8 second.......5 third.........49 points
4. Torres............................6 first...........2 second.......4 third..........40 points
5. Johnson.........................5 first...........4 second.......1 third.........38 points
6. Gerrard..........................3 first...........6 second.......3 third..........36 points
7. Kuyt.................................4 first...........2 second.......1 third.........27 points
8. Benayoun.......................2 first...........3 second.......7 third........26 points
9. Kyrgiakos......................3 first...........2 second.......2 third.........23 points
10.Ngog..............................2 first...........4 second............................22 points
11.Aquilani.........................2 first..........2 second........2 third.........18 points
12.Carragher.....................1 first...........2 second......5 third..........16 points
13.Skrtel.............................2 first...........1 second............................13 points
14.Agger.............................2 second.....6 third.................................12 points
15.Babel.............................3 second......1 third...............................10 points
16.Degen............................1 first...........1 second............................8 points
17.Insua.............................2 second......2 third................................8 points
18.Rodriguez.......................1 first..........3 third................................8 points
19.Kelly...............................1 first............................................. ..........5 points
20.Dossena.........................1 second............................................ ..3 points
21.Riera...............................1 third............................................. ........1 point.
[/quote]

Without taking anyone's side, I'd like to point out that Lucas is 3rd on that list.
[/quote]

That is the view of the people Doc.

 

[Delinquent]

[quote author=Stulikesdrums link=topic=40914.msg1133291#msg1133291 date=1278665387]
[quote author=doctor_mac link=topic=40914.msg1133260#msg1133260 date=1278663812]
[quote author=Stulikesdrums link=topic=40914.msg1133259#msg1133259 date=1278663729]
[quote author=spider-neil link=topic=40914.msg1133248#msg1133248 date=1278663145]
[quote author=Jack D Rips link=topic=40914.msg1133246#msg1133246 date=1278662834]
I thought Mascher was by far our player of the season last season. I for one dont want to see him going
[/quote]

better than pepe? okay...
[/quote]

Yes Spider. Better than Pepe...


1. Mascherano..................10 first..........9 second.......7 third........84 points
2. Reina..............................9 first...........2 second........6 third........57 points
3. Lucas.............................4 first...........8 second.......5 third.........49 points
4. Torres............................6 first...........2 second.......4 third..........40 points
5. Johnson.........................5 first...........4 second.......1 third.........38 points
6. Gerrard..........................3 first...........6 second.......3 third..........36 points
7. Kuyt.................................4 first...........2 second.......1 third.........27 points
8. Benayoun.......................2 first...........3 second.......7 third........26 points
9. Kyrgiakos......................3 first...........2 second.......2 third.........23 points
10.Ngog..............................2 first...........4 second............................22 points
11.Aquilani.........................2 first..........2 second........2 third.........18 points
12.Carragher.....................1 first...........2 second......5 third..........16 points
13.Skrtel.............................2 first...........1 second............................13 points
14.Agger.............................2 second.....6 third.................................12 points
15.Babel.............................3 second......1 third...............................10 points
16.Degen............................1 first...........1 second............................8 points
17.Insua.............................2 second......2 third................................8 points
18.Rodriguez.......................1 first..........3 third................................8 points
19.Kelly...............................1 first............................................. ..........5 points
20.Dossena.........................1 second............................................ ..3 points
21.Riera...............................1 third............................................. ........1 point.
[/quote]

Without taking anyone's side, I'd like to point out that Lucas is 3rd on that list.
[/quote]

That is the view of the people Doc.
[/quote]

That's true, but it's worth bearing in mind that a large portion of those people would follow a lemming off a cliff, if it was carrying a Rafa banner.

 

[Jack D Rips]

[quote author=Brendan link=topic=40914.msg1133281#msg1133281 date=1278664654]
[quote author=Jack D Rips link=topic=40914.msg1133276#msg1133276 date=1278664478]
If we're selling him we need to do it quickly. No point getting 30M on the last day of the window
[/quote]

Unfortunately, when trying to extract the best price, the game of brinkmanship often means it does go right to the last few days.
[/quote]

Agree. To be honest I cant see us getting £30M for him. And Im not saying that hes not worth it, just cant see us getting it

 

[FoxForceFive]

[quote author=Buddha link=topic=40914.msg1133235#msg1133235 date=1278659895]
Gerrard might get his way and play in centre midfield more?
[/quote]

Gerrard doesnt want tp play in CM.

 

[manwithnoname]

[quote author=FoxForceFive link=topic=40914.msg1133301#msg1133301 date=1278665922]
[quote author=Buddha link=topic=40914.msg1133235#msg1133235 date=1278659895]
Gerrard might get his way and play in centre midfield more?
[/quote]

Gerrard doesnt want tp play in CM.
[/quote]

How do you know?

 

[Jack D Rips]

[quote author=Delinquent link=topic=40914.msg1133298#msg1133298 date=1278665812]
[quote author=Stulikesdrums link=topic=40914.msg1133291#msg1133291 date=1278665387]
[quote author=doctor_mac link=topic=40914.msg1133260#msg1133260 date=1278663812]
[quote author=Stulikesdrums link=topic=40914.msg1133259#msg1133259 date=1278663729]
[quote author=spider-neil link=topic=40914.msg1133248#msg1133248 date=1278663145]
[quote author=Jack D Rips link=topic=40914.msg1133246#msg1133246 date=1278662834]
I thought Mascher was by far our player of the season last season. I for one dont want to see him going
[/quote]

better than pepe? okay...
[/quote]

Yes Spider. Better than Pepe...


1. Mascherano..................10 first..........9 second.......7 third........84 points
2. Reina..............................9 first...........2 second........6 third........57 points
3. Lucas.............................4 first...........8 second.......5 third.........49 points
4. Torres............................6 first...........2 second.......4 third..........40 points
5. Johnson.........................5 first...........4 second.......1 third.........38 points
6. Gerrard..........................3 first...........6 second.......3 third..........36 points
7. Kuyt.................................4 first...........2 second.......1 third.........27 points
8. Benayoun.......................2 first...........3 second.......7 third........26 points
9. Kyrgiakos......................3 first...........2 second.......2 third.........23 points
10.Ngog..............................2 first...........4 second............................22 points
11.Aquilani.........................2 first..........2 second........2 third.........18 points
12.Carragher.....................1 first...........2 second......5 third..........16 points
13.Skrtel.............................2 first...........1 second............................13 points
14.Agger.............................2 second.....6 third.................................12 points
15.Babel.............................3 second......1 third...............................10 points
16.Degen............................1 first...........1 second............................8 points
17.Insua.............................2 second......2 third................................8 points
18.Rodriguez.......................1 first..........3 third................................8 points
19.Kelly...............................1 first............................................. ..........5 points
20.Dossena.........................1 second............................................ ..3 points
21.Riera...............................1 third............................................. ........1 point.
[/quote]

Without taking anyone's side, I'd like to point out that Lucas is 3rd on that list.
[/quote]

That is the view of the people Doc.
[/quote]

That's true, but it's worth bearing in mind that a large portion of those people would follow a lemming off a cliff, if it was carrying a Rafa banner.
[/quote]

Lemmings or not I dont think anyone would disagree with the top two

 

[Delinquent]

[quote author=FoxForceFive link=topic=40914.msg1133301#msg1133301 date=1278665922]
[quote author=Buddha link=topic=40914.msg1133235#msg1133235 date=1278659895]
Gerrard might get his way and play in centre midfield more?
[/quote]

Gerrard doesnt want tp play in CM.
[/quote]

I've always wondered where people get this from? Has he stated his preference in the last couple of years? By his demeanor on the pitch I would assume that his favoured position is behind Torres.

 

[Delinquent]

[quote author=Jack D Rips link=topic=40914.msg1133303#msg1133303 date=1278666022]
[quote author=Delinquent link=topic=40914.msg1133298#msg1133298 date=1278665812]
[quote author=Stulikesdrums link=topic=40914.msg1133291#msg1133291 date=1278665387]
[quote author=doctor_mac link=topic=40914.msg1133260#msg1133260 date=1278663812]
[quote author=Stulikesdrums link=topic=40914.msg1133259#msg1133259 date=1278663729]
[quote author=spider-neil link=topic=40914.msg1133248#msg1133248 date=1278663145]
[quote author=Jack D Rips link=topic=40914.msg1133246#msg1133246 date=1278662834]
I thought Mascher was by far our player of the season last season. I for one dont want to see him going
[/quote]

better than pepe? okay...
[/quote]

Yes Spider. Better than Pepe...


1. Mascherano..................10 first..........9 second.......7 third........84 points
2. Reina..............................9 first...........2 second........6 third........57 points
3. Lucas.............................4 first...........8 second.......5 third.........49 points
4. Torres............................6 first...........2 second.......4 third..........40 points
5. Johnson.........................5 first...........4 second.......1 third.........38 points
6. Gerrard..........................3 first...........6 second.......3 third..........36 points
7. Kuyt.................................4 first...........2 second.......1 third.........27 points
8. Benayoun.......................2 first...........3 second.......7 third........26 points
9. Kyrgiakos......................3 first...........2 second.......2 third.........23 points
10.Ngog..............................2 first...........4 second............................22 points
11.Aquilani.........................2 first..........2 second........2 third.........18 points
12.Carragher.....................1 first...........2 second......5 third..........16 points
13.Skrtel.............................2 first...........1 second............................13 points
14.Agger.............................2 second.....6 third.................................12 points
15.Babel.............................3 second......1 third...............................10 points
16.Degen............................1 first...........1 second............................8 points
17.Insua.............................2 second......2 third................................8 points
18.Rodriguez.......................1 first..........3 third................................8 points
19.Kelly...............................1 first............................................. ..........5 points
20.Dossena.........................1 second............................................ ..3 points
21.Riera...............................1 third............................................. ........1 point.
[/quote]

Without taking anyone's side, I'd like to point out that Lucas is 3rd on that list.
[/quote]

That is the view of the people Doc.
[/quote]

That's true, but it's worth bearing in mind that a large portion of those people would follow a lemming off a cliff, if it was carrying a Rafa banner.
[/quote]

Lemmings or not I dont think anyone would disagree with the top two
[/quote]

No, I think you're right. Although they were way out on their own really.

 

[FoxForceFive]

[quote author=Brendan link=topic=40914.msg1133302#msg1133302 date=1278666004]
[quote author=FoxForceFive link=topic=40914.msg1133301#msg1133301 date=1278665922]
[quote author=Buddha link=topic=40914.msg1133235#msg1133235 date=1278659895]
Gerrard might get his way and play in centre midfield more?
[/quote]

Gerrard doesnt want tp play in CM.
[/quote]

How do you know?
[/quote]

Cos he is about a million times happier (he smiles once a game) when playing behind Torres.

 

[Vlads Quiff]

Mascherano. I was really surprised that he did not go in January to be honest. I always had the feeling he had been persuaded to stay on last summer, against his better judgment, on the basis that we had just let Alonso go, and we could not contemplate both of them going in the same window with an injured replacement coming in.
So I had always prepared myself for his leaving this summer.
If his Mrs has a problem feeling isolated and unable to mix in, it must be a huge problem for him, and one that he really can't ignore, so I understand that. My only concern on that front is how much better off would she be if he went to Italy?
He is a fantastic player in the position he plays, and no one plays with more heart than him, he seems to match Carra on that, he always looks like he cares, for someone that is to leave that is a great attribute.
Personally I would rather he stayed, on the other hand £30m would give us some flexibility.

As regards the Lucas coming third bit, I don't think Lucas is completely shit, nor do I think he is a fantastic player, and that is probably reflected in the placing. He played as many games as anyone last year, when many of the stars were out for protracted periods and the Alonso replacement hardly figured at all, and during that period playing average was actually punching above his weight in a lot of peoples eyes ,and so his performances were more positively viewed.

If Hodgson looks at Lucas through a fresh pair of eyes, and looks objectively at his strengths and weaknesses it could be the best thing that ever happened to Lucas.

regards

 

[mark1975]

To be fair on Masher, he's never mentioned his Mrs having an issue settling, though it's often been mentioned by the media. On the other hand he's always been reluctant to give his full loyalty when questioned in interview, so you can only really surmise that he doesn't see his longterm future here, for whatever reason.

Whatever happens, I'll always have a soft spot for Masher, because through it all he's given 110% on the pitch, and that's all you can ever expect, especially when you contrast that to the likes of Riera and Babel.

 

[Wilko7]

The comment regarding Italian lessons was disrespectful to Liverpool and it's time he fucked off.

I'd gladly trade some of the defensive tenacity that he brings for a more balanced central midfield.

 

[manwithnoname]

Balanced in what way?
He's a defensive midfielder, and if he goes we will buy another one

 

[Vlads Quiff]

[quote author=mark1975 link=topic=40914.msg1133380#msg1133380 date=1278671937]
To be fair on Masher, he's never mentioned his Mrs having an issue settling, though it's often been mentioned by the media. On the other hand he's always been reluctant to give his full loyalty when questioned in interview, so you can only really surmise that he doesn't see his longterm future here, for whatever reason.

Whatever happens, I'll always have a soft spot for Masher, because through it all he's given 110% on the pitch, and that's all you can ever expect, especially when you contrast that to the likes of Riera and Babel.
[/quote]

I think he has.................

HOME ALONE MASCHERANO READY TO QUIT
Reds star rues Barca move collapse

MASCHERANO: Unhappy

By Aidan Magee, 15/05/2010

JAVIER MASCHERANO has paved the way for his Liverpool exit this summer by revealing the misery of his family's lonely existence in England.

The Argentina international was close to joining Barcelona last year but was left disappointed when the move to the Nou Camp fell through.


The midfielder's wife and two daughters feel isolated on Merseyside because they don't speak English and don't leave the house.


His only friends in the area are Liverpool's Argentinian players Emiliano Insua and Maxi Rodriguez. He also occasionally sees Manchester City pair Carlos Tevez and Pablo Zabaleta.


Mascherano, who will captain his country at the World Cup, looks set to leave Anfield after deciding to put contract talks on hold until after the tournament.


He hopes the club's financial situation - and Rafa Benitez's future - will have been resolved by the time he returns from South Africa in July.


"I don't do much stuff in my free time, that's the truth," said Mascherano.


"I could go to London with my wife to do some shopping but I have already been to London 1,000 times and if I want to go to another city I would have to take a plane.


"What kills me about living in Liverpool is that there are only two Argentinians here with me, Emiliano Insua and Maxi Rodriguez.


"Insua and I live in a private neighbourhood. He lives in one tower and I live in the other. There are 15 metres between us and we used to look at each other through the window.


"Sometimes Zabaleta comes from Manchester but there is no way Carlos Tevez comes here. If I want to see him, I have to go to his place and knock on his door.


"He doesn't like to leave his home. So during the winter, during those four or five months, I have to stay at home all day with my family.


"I have no problem living in Liverpool, but I think my wife and daughters deserve to enjoy every day to the full and live their lives - but they have to be at home all day.


"My wife doesn't speak a word of English, so she depends 100 per cent on me.


"I live here with them. That's my world, that's my life."

Mascherano, 25, arrived at Anfield from West Ham in February 2007.

The £18million move had been made permanent after a brief loan spell and he signed a four-year deal which now has just nine months to run.

Barcelona made their interest known last summer. But Benitez, who was in the process of selling Xabi Alonso to Real Madrid, could not decide whether he wanted to sell another midfielder. Eventually he priced Mascherano out of a move.

The player's poor start to this season could be explained by the effect the collapse of the transfer had on him psychologically.


He wanted the move for the sake of his family because life in the Catalan city would have allowed them to speak in their native Spanish.


"The situation with Barcelona really affected me," he said.


"It was a shame it didn't happen as it was the city I wanted to live in.


"There were many discussions and problems during that month and a half. They were difficult times for me. One day I was off to Barcelona, the next I wasn't.


"And Liverpool said I was non-transferable.


"Psychologically, it affected me as I couldn't think in Liverpool and I was focused on other stuff and not on my work, my training and playing.


"Also we were having problems with Argentina as our qualification to the World Cup was in danger.


"There was a lot of complicated stuff at that time."

 

[jexykrodic]

It would be a shame to lose Mascherano but I don't think he's irreplaceable. His transfer value should be more than enough to find a suitable replacement.

I'd wish him well as he has served us well and if his family are unhappy that's a valid reason to leave.

 

[Vlads Quiff]

[quote author=Wilko link=topic=40914.msg1133397#msg1133397 date=1278673737]
The comment regarding Italian lessons was disrespectful to Liverpool and it's time he fucked off.

I'd gladly trade some of the defensive tenacity that he brings for a more balanced central midfield.
[/quote]

I would not take things like that too literally Wilko


regards

 

[Jack D Rips]

Why doesnt the lazy bitch learn some English? Is she going to learn Italian I wonder or is going to do all the work for her again. ffs

 

[Judge Jules]

[quote author=Delinquent link=topic=40914.msg1133305#msg1133305 date=1278666079]
[quote author=FoxForceFive link=topic=40914.msg1133301#msg1133301 date=1278665922]
[quote author=Buddha link=topic=40914.msg1133235#msg1133235 date=1278659895]
Gerrard might get his way and play in centre midfield more?
[/quote]

Gerrard doesnt want tp play in CM.
[/quote]

I've always wondered where people get this from? Has he stated his preference in the last couple of years? By his demeanor on the pitch I would assume that his favoured position is behind Torres.
[/quote]

I'm sure I remember him saying in a press interview that he used to prefer CM but that he was now quite happy to play behind the striker. The main point is he wants to play centrally, not wide right and especially not wide left.

 

[Portly]

At times when Stevie has played wide right, he has been very effective in that role, whether or not people think it is the ideal position.

 

[Judge Jules]

Certainly, but that hasn't persuaded the man himself to want to play there.

 

[Buddha]

I've heard or read nothing about it, but I wouldn't be surprised to hear that Mourinho is interested in teaming Masher back up with Xabi at Real.

 

[Judge Jules]

Neither would I. Those two dovetailed very well indeed - galling though it would be to watch them do so for another club.

 

[Buddha]

Mourinho would love him too.

 

[dee]

Javier Mascherano is ready to try and force Liverpool's hand over a move from Anfield by submitting a transfer request.

The Liverpool midfielder is aware of continuing interest from Barcelona and is just as keen on linking up with his former manager Rafa Benitez at Inter Milan.

Increasingly concerned at an apparent deadlock over engineering a transfer to either club, he is preparing to hand Roy Hodgson his first major test as Liverpool boss by asking for a move.

Even if it is viewed sympathetically, the Argentina captain could find himself priced out of both clubs' reach, after it emerged Liverpool are likely to value him at a prohibitive £30m.

Benitez may offer Ghana midfielder Sulley Muntari in part-exchange, but it would still take a cash adjustment of at around £20m to push a deal through.

It is clear Mascherano could start a season under a cloud at Anfield for a second year running.

Denied a move to the Nou Camp 12 months ago, Mascherano eventually knuckled down and became one of Liverpool's more consistent performers, but only after brooding over what he viewed as a missed opportunity. He is in danger of losing out again, with Barcelona encountering financial problems.

One of his advisers, Marco Piccioli, said: 'I know Mascherano and Benitez have a great relationship, but sometimes that is not enough. A deal (with Inter) can only happen towards the last part of the transfer market. That is my vision, at least.'

 

[gareth_thomas]

[quote author=Dee link=topic=40914.msg1133782#msg1133782 date=1278752494]

Javier Mascherano is ready to try and force Liverpool's hand over a move from Anfield by submitting a transfer request.

The Liverpool midfielder is aware of continuing interest from Barcelona and is just as keen on linking up with his former manager Rafa Benitez at Inter Milan.

Increasingly concerned at an apparent deadlock over engineering a transfer to either club, he is preparing to hand Roy Hodgson his first major test as Liverpool boss by asking for a move.

Even if it is viewed sympathetically, the Argentina captain could find himself priced out of both clubs' reach, after it emerged Liverpool are likely to value him at a prohibitive £30m.

Benitez may offer Ghana midfielder Sulley Muntari in part-exchange, but it would still take a cash adjustment of at around £20m to push a deal through.

It is clear Mascherano could start a season under a cloud at Anfield for a second year running.

Denied a move to the Nou Camp 12 months ago, Mascherano eventually knuckled down and became one of Liverpool's more consistent performers, but only after brooding over what he viewed as a missed opportunity. He is in danger of losing out again, with Barcelona encountering financial problems.

One of his advisers, Marco Piccioli, said: 'I know Mascherano and Benitez have a great relationship, but sometimes that is not enough. A deal (with Inter) can only happen towards the last part of the transfer market. That is my vision, at least.'

[/quote]

Is he even back from Holidays yet??

I dont see how Inter would be any better for him considering his wifes isolation issues. Spain is the only likely choice and if Barcelona are fucked Mascherano might just have to suck it up.

Surely the club could hire 10 fun Argentinian women to keep her amused.

 

[dee]

I was under the impression all top clubs employee staff who are responsible for helping families to integrate and settle.

 

[Judge Jules]

Probably, but there's no guarantee it'll always work.

Rafa can keep Muntari BTW. A big fat "No Thanks" to that.