The incredible Xabi Alonso thread 2009.

[LeTallecWiz]

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

[quote author=keniget link=topic=33578.msg876205#msg876205 date=1243412785]
I think he was actually very good at times and did help us win games.

Anyways, we're going round in circles with petty arguments. This is just one of those divisive issues and I don't think any middle ground is likely to be found.[/quote]

Ok - my last post on the matter (to you at least!) and you can have last word if you please ...

Your first sentence - I agree. But that was again, 'at times' ... It was not the 'norm'.

Are we the 'extremes' then if we cannot find middle ground! 😛

 

[jimmy]

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

[quote author=LeTallecWiz link=topic=33578.msg876219#msg876219 date=1243413512]
[quote author=keniget link=topic=33578.msg876205#msg876205 date=1243412785]
I think he was actually very good at times and did help us win games.

Anyways, we're going round in circles with petty arguments. This is just one of those divisive issues and I don't think any middle ground is likely to be found.[/quote]

Ok - my last post on the matter (to you at least!) and you can have last word if you please ...

Your first sentence - I agree. But that was again, 'at times' ... It was not the 'norm'.

Are we the 'extremes' then if we cannot find middle ground! 😛
[/quote]

Well they say that two Jews always have three opinions (at least)...

 

[Judge Jules]

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

Haha. My (practising) Jewish uncle says that, if you have half a dozen Jews in a room together, there'll be a dozen arguments going on.

 

[spider-Neil]

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

some people still maintain alonso was anything other than average for two seasons before this one? seriously, how do you even begin to form an argument to counter such a view? alonso's performances this season and his debut season are like night and day compared to the two seasons where his form dropped. people have their likes and dislikes about rafa but by and large keeps the people that are good and the people not so good he tends to ship out. well, rafa wanted rid of alonso and anyone who thinks that was because alonso attended the birth of his first child rather than playing a match are mad, rafa wanted rid because he wanted to improve the midfield because alonso wasn't pulling his weight anymore. alonso starts were decreasing and he was being outshone (badly) by masherano. the only person alonso can blame for rafa wanting rid is alonso.

 

[doctor_mac]

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

[quote author=Judge Jules link=topic=33578.msg876233#msg876233 date=1243414363]
My (practising) Jewish uncle
[/quote]


Is he any good at it yet?

 

[manwithnoname]

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

[quote author=spider-neil link=topic=33578.msg876247#msg876247 date=1243415549]
some people still maintain alonso was anything other than average for two seasons before this one? seriously, how do you even begin to form an argument to counter such a view? alonso's performances this season and his debut season are like night and day compared to the two seasons where his form dropped. people have their likes and dislikes about rafa but by and large keeps the people that are good and the people not so good he tends to ship out. well, rafa wanted rid of alonso and anyone who thinks that was because alonso attended the birth of his first child rather than playing a match are mad, rafa wanted rid because he wanted to improve the midfield because alonso wasn't pulling his weight anymore. alonso starts were decreasing and he was being outshone (badly) by masherano. the only person alonso can blame for rafa wanting rid is alonso.
[/quote]

So how is Lucan still here, spiderdiv?

Alonso, even at his worst, is still ten times the player

 

[spider-Neil]

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

[quote author=Brendan link=topic=33578.msg876254#msg876254 date=1243415721]
[quote author=spider-neil link=topic=33578.msg876247#msg876247 date=1243415549]
some people still maintain alonso was anything other than average for two seasons before this one? seriously, how do you even begin to form an argument to counter such a view? alonso's performances this season and his debut season are like night and day compared to the two seasons where his form dropped. people have their likes and dislikes about rafa but by and large keeps the people that are good and the people not so good he tends to ship out. well, rafa wanted rid of alonso and anyone who thinks that was because alonso attended the birth of his first child rather than playing a match are mad, rafa wanted rid because he wanted to improve the midfield because alonso wasn't pulling his weight anymore. alonso starts were decreasing and he was being outshone (badly) by masherano. the only person alonso can blame for rafa wanting rid is alonso.
[/quote]

So how is Lucan still here, spiderdiv?

Alonso, even at his worst, is still ten times the player
[/quote]

I think I'll start calling you brendandiv from now on, not very mature but then neither is you calling me spiderdiv.

and to answer your question, lucas was a 20 year child learning his trade in his debut season alonso is a senior member of the first team who'd been here three years.
I see you called him lucas, progress.

 

[spider-Neil]

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

oh, you meant why is lucas here NOW. maybe rafa doesn't think he (lucas) is as bad as you think he is. who knows.

 

[Judge Jules]

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

[quote author=doctor_mac link=topic=33578.msg876252#msg876252 date=1243415670]
[quote author=Judge Jules link=topic=33578.msg876233#msg876233 date=1243414363]
My (practising) Jewish uncle
[/quote]


Is he any good at it yet?
[/quote]

Badoom - TISH. 😀

 

[Ryan]

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

[quote author=Brendan link=topic=33578.msg876214#msg876214 date=1243413279]
Keni's annoyance is quite clearly partly-directed to many people on this site who routinely abused Alonso, denigrated his talent, and erroneously claimed he had been "shit for two years", which was a gross exaggeration, and an insult to a brilliant professional and a super player.

Nobody is denying he had some up and down periods in his middle two seasons, but some of the stick he took was laughable.
[/quote]

Is correct.

 

[the count]

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

Former Red Steve McManaman has exclusively revealed to setanta.com that Xabi Alonso is still hurting from being told he can leave Liverpool, but the Spanish playmaker does not want to leave Anfield.

McManaman has grown to know Alonso well, both as players from their time in La Liga and since the Spain international moved to Merseyside, and he insists Alonso does not want out of Liverpool.

However, McManaman is all too aware of the imminent return of Florentino Perez as president at Real Madrid, a man who reportedly wants Alonso, and a man who usually gets what he wants.

Liverpool are loathe to lose their midfield tempo-setter, with Rafa Benitez insisting he will not sell him, but McManaman admits scars remain from when Benitez tried to use Alonso as a fundraiser for Gareth Barry 12 months ago.

“It really hurts when a player is told he can leave a club. It’s a real kick up the backside to be told that the manager is not bothered about you leaving,†McManaman told setanta.com.

“I know Xabi well and I know he was hurt by the fact that the club were willing to sell him last year.

“If another club comes and offers him a lot of love, maybe it will turn his head.

“But Liverpool have come out and said they want Alonso to stay, and hopefully for Liverpool that will be enough.

“Transfers are complicated. It takes at least two things for it to work and that is the player wanting to leave and the club wanting to sell. Liverpool do not want to sell.

“But if Liverpool are offered an absurd amount of money maybe they will say ‘yes’. They were prepared to sell Xabi last year in order to sign Gareth Barry.

“Hopefully Liverpool will hang on to him. Xabi is truly happy at Liverpool, he loves the fans, and I think he’s a Barca boy anyway!â€

Giving a greater insight on incoming Madrid president Perez, McManaman warned every top club to follow Liverpool’s example by handing Fernando Torres improved terms, before Madrid swoop for the world’s best.

“Definitely expect Perez to cause a couple of major headlines. He works under the radar a lot more than [outgoing president] Calderon, who promised to bring in Kaka, Fabregas and Ronaldo and then looked like a fool.

“Perez had Figo signed before he announced it, he has never shouted the odds, and I expect him to give the manager a couple of of real presents – a couple ofworld class players when he arrives.â€

 

[LarryHagman]

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

I would rather we keep the squad we've got now, see how we get on next year, than sell Alonso to finance deals for a load of players who are not as good.
Is it me or isn't that obvious?
I don't care if its Barry, Martinez, Polish Man, Dutch no mark or anyone else. They're not as good as Alonso. And the pittance freed up after Benitez wheeling and dealing will just pay for someone who's probably shit as well.

 

[Rosco]

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

*high fives Larry*

 

[doctor_mac]

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

Yes- Alonso staying could only be good news. Let's get him to extend his contract now. We've plenty of other players we should offload to raise monies.

 

[Avmenon]

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

It is that obvious.

It's also obvious that IF he does go, it's because Xabi wants to go.

To me, Rafa should just go and make it clear to him how much he's needed here and how badly he doesnt want him t leave.

If he can spend 4 hours convincing Mascherano to sign, he can spend the same amount convincing Xabi to stay.

 

[leftpeg]

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

There are very few players we could replace Xabi with and strengthen the side. If it meant holding onto Xabi, I'd be prepared to see our kitty for this window significantly reduced. We're not far away from having a title winning squad now, take Xabi out and we're further away.

 

[Jürgen4PM]

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

RAFA RUBBISHES ALONSO DEAL CLAIMS
Paul Hassall 31 May 2009
Rafa Benitez has rubbished reports in the Spanish media that an agreement has been reached with Real Madrid for the transfer of Xabi Alonso.
The midfielder has been linked with a move away from Anfield this summer but the Reds boss has poured cold water on suggestions the Spain international is set to leave.

The Liverpool manager said: "The situation is clear, we do not want to sell our best players and that includes Xabi.

"He had a very good season for us and can be an important player in the future. There is no agreement with Real and we want him to be part of our plans going forward.

"Xabi himself told our club magazine only two weeks ago that he was looking forward to his sixth season as a Liverpool player. Why should he want to leave now?"

Benitez added: "Xabi's agent came to see me recently to talk about the future. It was a surprise for me and I pointed out to him there were three years left on Xabi's contract.

"I asked him if the player was happy in Liverpool and he said yes. It was a short meeting."

 

[Avmenon]

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

Thank fuck for that.

 

[Fallon]

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

Yayyy. If true, it looks like the only way he is going now is if a very substantial offer (£25 million+ ?) came in for him.

 

[Jürgen4PM]

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

Over to you Xabi.

 

[Avmenon]

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

Haha,not quite PM...

Rafa went to great lengths to try to get rid last year so I hope he's prepared to go some distance to make sure he stays.

Good noises coming out from Rafa,to be fair.

 

[peekay]

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

[quote author=Fallon link=topic=33578.msg879438#msg879438 date=1243786209]
Yayyy. If true, it looks like the only way he is going now is if a very substantial offer (£25 million+ ?) came in for him.
[/quote]

It was reported last year that Sociedad had a sell on clause in which 25 % of the transfer fee goes to them. The maximum I see us getting for Xabi is 18 million ( 75 % of 24 million). Considering the cost of the replacement and the risk of the new signing not working out, it really is not worth it.

 

[Fallon]

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

Not with that big a chunk of his fee being swallowed up, no it isn't.

 

[spider-Neil]

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

just watched the rafa season review and when talking about alonso rafa said alonso's form had dipped from the first season but his level has again risen to to heights of his debut season (paraphrasing).
so there you have it from the mouth of the man who counts. he (rafa also said he doesn't need to sell to buy but even if he did there are players to sell before alonso.

 

[keniget]

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

[quote author=spider-neil link=topic=33578.msg879471#msg879471 date=1243794371]
just watched the rafa season review and when talking about alonso rafa said alonso's form had dipped from the first season but his level has again risen to to heights of his debut season (paraphrasing).
so there you have it from the mouth of the man who counts. he (rafa also said he doesn't need to sell to buy but even if he did there are players to sell before alonso.
[/quote]

There you have what exactly?

That he wasn't playing to the level he was in his first year? No shit.

 

[rebel23]

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

if Perez offered 30 million, would you turn it down? and then he comes back and offers 40 million?

Rafa said "every player has his price" and if Perez wants him then he will make a big offer so then we will see if he turns it down.

 

[spider-Neil]

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

[quote author=keniget link=topic=33578.msg879473#msg879473 date=1243794544]
[quote author=spider-neil link=topic=33578.msg879471#msg879471 date=1243794371]
just watched the rafa season review and when talking about alonso rafa said alonso's form had dipped from the first season but his level has again risen to to heights of his debut season (paraphrasing).
so there you have it from the mouth of the man who counts. he (rafa also said he doesn't need to sell to buy but even if he did there are players to sell before alonso.
[/quote]

There you have what exactly?

That he wasn't playing to the level he was in his first year? No shit.
[/quote]

that's what some people, amazingly have claimed

 

[krissr]

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

From the Dailymail

Sorry if already posted

Xabi Alonso has agreed a £22million move to Real Madrid in a deal that could see Gabriel Heinze move to Liverpool, according to reports in Spain.
Forget Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka or Franck Ribery, Alonso will be the first 'Galactico' of Florentino Perez's second stint as Bernabeu president, according to Spanish newspaper Sport.

Perez is set to re-take his job as early as Monday - two weeks ahead of planned elections - after none of the other prospective presidential candidates was able to stump up the cash guarantee required.

Heinze could be on his way to England

The 62-year-old is only likely to sign one from the trio of Manchester United star Ronaldo, AC Milan's brilliant Brazilian Kaka or Bayern Munich's Franck Ribery.
But he has reportedly already reached an agreement for Spain midfielder Alonso. The paper says the Anfield star had agreed to a deal in principle weeks ago and that Liverpool accepted an offer on Friday.

But there remain a few variables to sort out. Former Manchester United defender Gabriel Heinze could go the other way in part-exchange, with Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez a long-term admirer of the Argentina international.
Benitez is also said to be keen on striker Alvaro Negredo. Madrid sold the 23-year-old to Almeria but have a buy-back option and Liverpool are said to have wanted him as part of the Alonso deal.

However, the £13m price-tag quoted is too much for Liverpool as they would prefer the cash to target Aston Villa midfielder Gareth Barry

 

[Sheik Yerbouti]

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

*Weeps*

Heinze? Dirty Scum twat who has gone even more shitter since we were first linked with him?

*Weeps some more*

 

[Fallon]

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

Wow! It's hard to believe, but the daily mail becomes even more pathetic as the weeks go by.