The incredible Xabi Alonso thread 2009.

[Oncy]

Re: Xabi Alonso will stay at Anfield, says Rafa Benitez

[quote author=Hansern link=topic=33578.msg875579#msg875579 date=1243348732]
Quite surprising that you want to get rid off N'Gog after 1 season Andy. He has had an okay season and showed glimpses of great potential. What has Sturridge done to that makes him so much more exciting? He hasn't made any inpact this season in a shite City side that has been haunted by injuries to first team strikers. All he's showed is that he's a knob, 70k a week to sign a new contract..

N'gog was head and shoulders over everyone else on the pitch not long ago in that U-21 match. That was against Englands so called best talent.

It would be foolish not to give him another year.
[/quote]You can call me foolish if you want. Id take the 2m now rather than the fuck all we'll get when he goes to Macclesfield on a free in 2 years time.

 

[mark1975]

Re: Xabi Alonso will stay at Anfield, says Rafa Benitez

It's the same old scenario, much like Lucas. If Jay Spearing made as many appearances as Lucas, and gave the same level of performance whereby we get results at places like Old Trafford with him up against players who are more experienced like Carrick, or more expensive and highly regarded like Anderson, then we'd have people praising him or at the very least saying he needs some perseverence.

It's the same with N'Gog, while he's hardly pulled up trees he has shown something, at least the intelligence to get into good positions and a reasonably good level of skill and flair.

Babel has scored four goals this season, N'Gog has scored three in less than half as many appearances. Yeah it's obvious whom has the more natural talent and presence, but N'Gog by the same token doesn't look as jaded or as concerned with his own shortcomings, he looks like he wants to play and has come in and done ok, enough to at least see how progresses for another season. He came for fuckall so what have we got to lose?

 

[the_khl]

Re: Xabi Alonso will stay at Anfield, says Rafa Benitez

Ngog has showed enough potential to at least be trusted with a few more Seasons.

 

[Hansern]

Re: Xabi Alonso will stay at Anfield, says Rafa Benitez

[quote author=Herr Onceared link=topic=33578.msg875588#msg875588 date=1243349663]
[quote author=Hansern link=topic=33578.msg875579#msg875579 date=1243348732]
Quite surprising that you want to get rid off N'Gog after 1 season Andy. He has had an okay season and showed glimpses of great potential. What has Sturridge done to that makes him so much more exciting? He hasn't made any inpact this season in a shite City side that has been haunted by injuries to first team strikers. All he's showed is that he's a knob, 70k a week to sign a new contract..

N'gog was head and shoulders over everyone else on the pitch not long ago in that U-21 match. That was against Englands so called best talent.

It would be foolish not to give him another year.
[/quote]You can call me foolish if you want. Id take the 2m now rather than the fuck all we'll get when he goes to Macclesfield on a free in 2 years time.
[/quote]

Im not calling you foolish mate. But hes perfect as a 3rd or 4th choice striker. He's got all the attributes to succeed. I just dont see the point in trying to get someone equally as good in.

 

[gkmacca]

Re: Xabi Alonso will stay at Anfield, says Rafa Benitez

Interviewed by LFCTV, Rafa was as clear as he probably could have been, not only saying he wants to keep Alonso but also adding that he doesn't need to sell him to raise the cash for other transfers, so that's the most encouraging response so far.

 

[foureyes]

Re: Xabi Alonso will stay at Anfield, says Rafa Benitez

[quote author=gkmacca link=topic=33578.msg875710#msg875710 date=1243357176]
Interviewed by LFCTV, Rafa was as clear as he probably could have been, not only saying he wants to keep Alonso but also adding that he doesn't need to sell him to raise the cash for other transfers, so that's the most encouraging response so far.
[/quote]

If Rafa actively sells Xabi, as opposed to Xabi handing in a request, does that not mean us saving money through not having to pay Xabi off?

With regards to not having to sell Xabi to fund transfers, that maybe a bad thing if the reason is that it's because we aren't going to be spending much.

 

[spider-Neil]

Re: Xabi Alonso will stay at Anfield, says Rafa Benitez

I hope xabi see why rafa wanted rid last year, forget his pride and move on.

 

[Rosco]

Re: Xabi Alonso will stay at Anfield, says Rafa Benitez

[quote author=gkmacca link=topic=33578.msg875710#msg875710 date=1243357176]
Interviewed by LFCTV, Rafa was as clear as he probably could have been, not only saying he wants to keep Alonso but also adding that he doesn't need to sell him to raise the cash for other transfers, so that's the most encouraging response so far.
[/quote]

I hope that's what Rafa told Xabi's agent on Friday, because there's not really any other reason for them to meet.

 

[Judge Jules]

Re: Xabi Alonso will stay at Anfield, says Rafa Benitez

[quote author=spider-neil link=topic=33578.msg875716#msg875716 date=1243357592]
I hope xabi see why rafa wanted rid last year, forget his pride and move on.
[/quote]

You don't really mean that, do you?

 

[mark1975]

Re: Xabi Alonso will stay at Anfield, says Rafa Benitez

[quote author=Rosco link=topic=33578.msg875740#msg875740 date=1243359513]
[quote author=gkmacca link=topic=33578.msg875710#msg875710 date=1243357176]
Interviewed by LFCTV, Rafa was as clear as he probably could have been, not only saying he wants to keep Alonso but also adding that he doesn't need to sell him to raise the cash for other transfers, so that's the most encouraging response so far.
[/quote]

I hope that's what Rafa told Xabi's agent on Friday, because there's not really any other reason for them to meet.
[/quote]

I think this could go either way, and as much as alot of this is Rafa's fault, there are some fair points being raised here.

Alonso WAS poor for the two seasons previous to this one, I think that was partly down to his positioning and a lack of quality outwide, but anyway.. He didn't seem to want it as much as he has this season, so while he's always been a player of tremendous ability, it was easy to understand Rafa's discontent, he just could have handled the situation better, especially in the way he chased Barry so publicly.

I'm sure there are issues for the two to go over now it's the Summer, and I'm sure in light of him staying this season that any discussions would have been (rightly) held off until now, to avoid unrest. Fair enough.

Hopefully they'll continue to settle their differences, and as Neil said, neither will hold any grudge and we'll just move on with Alonso still at the club.

We can say alot about Rafa, but he's made all the right noises of late over this, he's not been as stubborn as I'd expected, he's made a rather public plea for Alonso to stay. I could be cynical and say that he's doing what he does best, diverting pressure onto the other party, but I hope it's just a case of him realising Alonso's worth and recognising the way Alonso responded this season.

I really hope he stays, a midfield three to choose from of Masher, Alonso and Barry would be very good for us.

 

[gkmacca]

Re: Xabi Alonso will stay at Anfield, says Rafa Benitez

It was a really interesting little snippet from an end of season interview that's on LFCTV in a few days. (The snippet will be repeated tonight at 11.30pm.) Rafa said what one wanted him to say - there was none of the usual coyness. He said the agent had seen him, said Alonso was now back to his best form, said he wanted to keep him as a key player and stressed that he didn't need money from an Alonso transfer in order to buy other targets. So pretty much the ideal statement at this stage. The ball's in the Alonso camp's court.

 

[mark1975]

Re: Xabi Alonso will stay at Anfield, says Rafa Benitez

[quote author=gkmacca link=topic=33578.msg875752#msg875752 date=1243360914]
It was a really interesting little snippet from an end of season interview that's on LFCTV in a few days. (The snippet will be repeated tonight at 11.30pm.) Rafa said what one wanted him to say - there was none of the usual coyness. He said the agent had seen him, said Alonso was now back to his best form, said he wanted to keep him as a key player and stressed that he didn't need money from an Alonso transfer in order to buy other targets. So pretty much the ideal statement at this stage. The ball's in the Alonso camp's court.
[/quote]

Yup..

We've got alot to offer Alonso, and him us. Certainly more than Madrid anyway, at least at this stage. It'd be a shame if he walks when we seem on the verge of becoming the real deal.

 

[Rosco]

Re: Xabi Alonso will stay at Anfield, says Rafa Benitez

I think he's as good as gone, why else would his agent be meeting with Rafa ? We know he's not extending his contract.

Rafa is making the right noises now, but he knows he's messed this one up and there's nothing else he can do.

 

[LadyRed]

Re: Xabi Alonso will stay at Anfield, says Rafa Benitez

I think you're being too negative Ross, maybe it was to address the interest, if there's been a bid maybe Alonso and his agent want to know what Rafa's plans for him are. Perhaps the meeting cleared up Rafa wants him to stay and he wants to stay: happy days.

 

[Oncy]

Re: Xabi Alonso will stay at Anfield, says Rafa Benitez

[quote author=Rosco link=topic=33578.msg875757#msg875757 date=1243361295]
I think he's as good as gone, why else would his agent be meeting with Rafa ? We know he's not extending his contract.

Rafa is making the right noises now, but he knows he's messed this one up and there's nothing else he can do.
[/quote]Has he fuck as messed up. When Xabi wasnt all that and not key to his plans he was told he could leave, now hes stepped up he wants him to stay. Xabi wants to grow a pair.

 

[mark1975]

Re: Xabi Alonso will stay at Anfield, says Rafa Benitez

[quote author=Rosco link=topic=33578.msg875757#msg875757 date=1243361295]
I think he's as good as gone, why else would his agent be meeting with Rafa ? We know he's not extending his contract.

Rafa is making the right noises now, but he knows he's messed this one up and there's nothing else he can do.
[/quote]

I think it'd be naive to think that everything is a bed of roses, but I'd imagine on the back of last season Alonso would be at the very least seeking some assurances, and Rafa likewise. So just because they're meeting, I wouldn't take it that he's as good as gone, we all know the worst that can happen but I'd take something like this meeting as standard stuff.

 

[Rosco]

Re: Xabi Alonso will stay at Anfield, says Rafa Benitez

[quote author=Herr Onceared link=topic=33578.msg875761#msg875761 date=1243361586]
[quote author=Rosco link=topic=33578.msg875757#msg875757 date=1243361295]
I think he's as good as gone, why else would his agent be meeting with Rafa ? We know he's not extending his contract.

Rafa is making the right noises now, but he knows he's messed this one up and there's nothing else he can do.
[/quote]Has he fuck as messed up. When Xabi wasnt all that and not key to his plans he was told he could leave, now hes stepped up he wants him to stay. Xabi wants to grow a pair.
[/quote]

If your boss said to you : "No Andy you can't have time off to go see your first child born"

What would your reaction be ?

Everyone knows they fell out over that. Rafa's not human.

 

[gkmacca]

Re: Xabi Alonso will stay at Anfield, says Rafa Benitez

On the optimistic side...If Real DID make some kind of offer for Alonso, then even if Alonso wasn't interested, it would be the agent's job to tell the club and start trying to persuade them that they'd better renegotiate the player's contract and hike up his wages to keep him. It's just what agents do. So that's one of several options in terms of why the agent and Rafa talked.

 

[manwithnoname]

Re: Xabi Alonso will stay at Anfield, says Rafa Benitez

There is also a difference between saying he can leave, and actively pursuing interest in a keen attempt to sell him, while loudly and publicy chasing his obvious replacement

And failing

Rafa made so many fuck-ups last summer it is almost funny

I would not blame Alonso *one little bit* if he wanted to leave and try out what will be an 'interesting project' at Madrid, who will probably win La Liga next year

 

[Rosco]

Re: Xabi Alonso will stay at Anfield, says Rafa Benitez

[quote author=Brendan link=topic=33578.msg875769#msg875769 date=1243362041]
There is also a difference between saying he can leave, and actively pursuing interest in a keen attempt to sell him, while loudly and publicy chasing his obvious replacement

And failing

Rafa made so many fuck-ups last summer it is almost funny

I would not blame Alonso *one little bit* if he wanted to leave and try out what will be an 'interesting project' at Madrid, who will probably win La Liga next year
[/quote]

Even that whole eipsode wasn't as bad as trying to get Heinze from United by threatening legal action.

I was embarassed for Rafa over that one.

 

[Oncy]

Re: Xabi Alonso will stay at Anfield, says Rafa Benitez

[quote author=Brendan link=topic=33578.msg875769#msg875769 date=1243362041]
There is also a difference between saying he can leave, and actively pursuing interest in a keen attempt to sell him, while loudly and publicy chasing his obvious replacement

And failing

Rafa made so many fuck-ups last summer it is almost funny

I would not blame Alonso *one little bit* if he wanted to leave and try out what will be an 'interesting project' at Madrid, who will probably win La Liga next year
[/quote]I wouldnt blame him either, but i wont hold it against Rafa either. He was right as far as i was concerned to look to strengthen a weakness in our team.

 

[manwithnoname]

Re: Xabi Alonso will stay at Anfield, says Rafa Benitez

He's shit, aswell, which was even more galling as Slur Alex laughed in our faces and sold him to Madrid

How come so very many of our transfer fuck-ups involve them?

Owen, Nunez, Macca, Heinze, and now Alonso?

 

[spider-Neil]

Re: Xabi Alonso will stay at Anfield, says Rafa Benitez

[quote author=Brendan link=topic=33578.msg875774#msg875774 date=1243362349]
He's shit, aswell, which was even more galling as Slur Alex laughed in our faces and sold him to Madrid

How come so very many of our transfer fuck-ups involve them?

Owen, Nunez, Macca, Heinze, and now Alonso?
[/quote]


the phrase 'they saw you coming' was invented for our dealings with real.

 

[Hansern]

Re: Xabi Alonso will stay at Anfield, says Rafa Benitez

Use every chance to have a dig at Rafa eh? Xabi was shite for 2 seasons, and that justifies Rafa saying he could leave. This season he's been excellent, and find himself in a key position. Therefor keeping him should be a top priority. How did Rafa fuck up in wanting to improve our midfield?

Xabi should buck up, continue playing and win some thropies.

 

[spider-Neil]

Re: Xabi Alonso will stay at Anfield, says Rafa Benitez

[quote author=Judge Jules link=topic=33578.msg875744#msg875744 date=1243359958]
[quote author=spider-neil link=topic=33578.msg875716#msg875716 date=1243357592]
I hope xabi see why rafa wanted rid last year, forget his pride and move on.
[/quote]

You don't really mean that, do you?
[/quote]

put any tiffs behind him.

 

[spider-Neil]

Re: Xabi Alonso will stay at Anfield, says Rafa Benitez

rafa has handled the xabi situation poorly but xabi has hold his hands up and admit had his form not dipped for two seasons in a row no way would rafa be looking to offload him. what rafa did was in the interests of the team, it was just poorly handled.

 

[Avmenon]

Re: Xabi Alonso will stay at Anfield, says Rafa Benitez

[quote author=Hansern link=topic=33578.msg875780#msg875780 date=1243362682]
Use every chance to have a dig at Rafa eh? Xabi was shite for 2 seasons, and that justifies Rafa saying he could leave. This season he's been excellent, and find himself in a key position. Therefor keeping him should be a top priority. How did Rafa fuck up in wanting to improve our midfield?

Xabi should buck up, continue playing and win some thropies.

[/quote]

Rafa didn't exactly come out of the Barry saga looking too well, either.

The only reason Xabi's still here was because he was off form and no one wanted him at the price Rafa wanted; and also because Rafa didnt want Barry at the price MON wanted.

Not questioning Rafa's reasons, but his execution was poor.

I hope Xabi stays, but we have to prepare just in case.

 

[singlerider]

Re: Xabi Alonso will stay at Anfield, says Rafa Benitez

For the record, I've always thought that getting shot of Xabi and replacing him with Barry was bemusing to say the least.

Even last year after 'two shit seasons'

 

[keniget]

Re: Xabi Alonso will stay at Anfield, says Rafa Benitez

[quote author=Brendan link=topic=33578.msg875769#msg875769 date=1243362041]
There is also a difference between saying he can leave, and actively pursuing interest in a keen attempt to sell him, while loudly and publicy chasing his obvious replacement

And failing

Rafa made so many fuck-ups last summer it is almost funny

I would not blame Alonso *one little bit* if he wanted to leave and try out what will be an 'interesting project' at Madrid, who will probably win La Liga next year
[/quote]

Exactly.

Plus this whole "Xabi was shit for two seasons" and "Rafa was right to address a weakness" shit is embarrassing. I can't really be bothered to argue the point anymore (glad that others like Rosco can though), but I still find it to be a hideous argument.

 

[Judge Jules]

Re: Xabi Alonso will stay at Anfield, says Rafa Benitez

Get off your high horse, keni. Some of the terminology used about Xabi in this debate may have been a bit extreme, but Xabi clearly fell short of his first season standards during the period in question. That was a situation Rafa was right to address, even if one can question aspects of how he went about it.