The incredible Xabi Alonso thread 2009.

[Delinquent]

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

[quote author=keniget link=topic=33578.msg892040#msg892040 date=1245511458]
[quote author=SaintGeorge67 link=topic=33578.msg891970#msg891970 date=1245506299]
A genuine question, would Paisley or Shankly have "consulted the player" ?
[/quote]

What does it matter? When it suits, people go on about how times have changed and football has moved on. Then it's "well, back in the day...".

That point was the weak spot in Del's post that yeah, can definitely be picked at, but aside from that he was spot on.
[/quote]

I have removed the (admittedly) questionable part, in the hope that people might focus on the rest of it.

 

[Mamma Mia]

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

It's this whole bad treatment "in a public manner" that gets to me. It's the same thing as the speculation this year. We have maybe 3 or 4 quotes from Rafa and Xabi, which we get to read in a dozen different contexts, with different headlines and different agendas. Then there are weeks of discussion in monster threads where every possible interpretation and hypothesis is thrown out.

It feels like a drawn out, public debacle, when in fact it is only us that make it so.

 

[peekay]

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

its funny how two different articles have equally opposite perspective on the same quotes..

Xabi Alonso: I Am Happy At Liverpool, But Who Knows What Will Happen
The midfielder has refused to commit to his future again...

Xabi Alonso has admitted that he is happy at Liverpool, but added that no-one knows what could happen in the future.

The Spanish star has been linked with a move away from Anfield this summer, with Real Madrid believed to be chasing his signature.

However, in an interview with El Pais, Alonso explained that with Sami Hyypia already gone, he is one of the senior players at Liverpool.

"I am happy at Liverpool but in football you cannot close the doors on anything because you don't know what will happen. I do not plan to go. With Hyypia already gone, I am one of the senior players alongside [Jamie] Carragher and [Steven] Gerrard," he mused.

"[Four or five years ago] There was strong interest in me from Madrid, but Liverpool came and that is where I went. It was not a wrong decision, not for me anyway. I have played at Liverpool, a special club, grown as a player and won titles."

With regards to his relationship with manager Rafael Benitez, Alonso denied claims that he has a problem with the Liverpool boss.

"Each one has his own point of view. He is the manager and I try to do the best with what he tells me. We have a good professional relationship. We speak normally, saying what he wants from me and what I can give. He makes the decisions and we try to execute them," he mused.

Despite his remarks about his Liverpool future, however, Alonso did acknowledge that, at times, he has questioned his path.

"Last summer there was certain indecision and I did not know what was going to happen. I finished up playing well, though. I have had two quite complete seasons," he concluded.

http://www.goal.com/en/news/12/spai...am-happy-at-liverpool-but-who-knows-what-will



Amid the constant uncertainty surrounding his future at Liverpool, Xabi Alonso has stated he does not want to leave the club.

Alonso has been linked with a move to Real Madrid this summer as his place in Rafa Benitez’s squad continues to lack an assuredness.

However, Spain international Alonso has said that while he admits he does not know how the off-season transfer market will pan out, he fully intends to remain at Anfield and revel in his status as a senior player.

“I am happy at Liverpool but in football you cannot close the doors on anything because you don't know what will happen. I do not plan to go,†Alonso told El Pais. “With Sami Hyypia already gone, I am one of the senior players alongside Jamie Carragher and Steven Gerrard.

“There was strong interest in me from Madrid (in 2004) but Liverpool came and that is where I went. It was not a wrong decision, not for me anyway. I have played at Liverpool, a special club, and grown as a player and won titles.â€

Rumours of an uneasy relationship between Alonso and Benitez – who was prepared to sell the midfielder last summer – are not true, says the 27-year-old.

“Each one has his own point of view. He is the manager and I try to do the best with what he tells me,†said Alonso. “We have a good professional relationship. We speak normally, saying what he wants from me and what I can give. He makes the decisions and we try to execute them.

“Last summer there was certain indecision and I did not know what was going to happen. I finished up playing well, though. I have had two quite complete seasons.â€

http://www.setanta.com//uk/Articles/Football/2009/06/20/Prem-Alonso-on-future/gnid-57717/

 

[cochyn]

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

one from sky sports as well

Alonso plans Reds stay
Liverpool midfielder happy at Anfield

Last updated: 20th June 2009
Alonso plans Reds stay

Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso has said that he is not planning on leaving the club this summer.

The Spain international has recently been linked with a move to Spanish giants Real Madrid amidst rumours of a rift between himself and Reds boss Rafael Benitez.

Alonso did not rule out a move away from Liverpool but insisted that he is happy at Anfield.

"I am happy at Liverpool but in football you cannot close the doors on anything because you don't know what will happen. I do not plan to go," he told El Pais.

"With Sami Hyypia already gone, I am one of the senior players alongside Jamie Carragher and Steven Gerrard.
Special

"There was strong interest in me from Madrid (in 2004) but Liverpool came and that is where I went. It was not a wrong decision, not for me anyway. I have played at Liverpool, a special club, and grown as a player and won titles."

The 27-year-old also denied that his relationship with Benitez has deteriorated in light of the manager's indecision over his future last year.

"Each one has his own point of view. He is the manager and I try to do the best with what he tells me," Alonso added.

"We have a good professional relationship. We speak normally, saying what he wants from me and what I can give. He makes the decisions and we try to execute them.

"Last summer there was certain indecision and I did not know what was going to happen. I finished up playing well, though. I have had two quite complete seasons."

 

[Squiggles]

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

Doesn't sound the closest of relationships but I'm not concerned by that. If Real did come in with a ridiculous offer I suspect he'd want to leave, but it doesn't sound like he's going to force through a transfer. His indecision to commit to the club long-term is likely to do with the actions of Benitez last year, which would have left him wiser on the workings of a modern-day football and is perhaps a touch cynical or distrustful, however it certainly doesn't sound like he's unhappy on Merseyside or playing for Liverpool football club which was my biggest worry.

Is it just a coincidence this was released after the Real Madrid link 'cooled'?

 

[spider-Neil]

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

I think xabi is far more likely to stay than mash. with mash's other half being pregnant and moving out for warmer weather...well, I can see where this is going.

 

[cochyn]

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

[quote author=spider-neil link=topic=33578.msg892108#msg892108 date=1245528728]
I think xabi is far more likely to stay than mash. with mash's other half being pregnant and moving out for warmer weather...well, I can see where this is going.
[/quote]

pure conjecture just like most the journos are spitting out these days

 

[Judge Jules]

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

Except that in neil's case it's also wishful thinking....

 

[peekay]

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

[quote author=Judge Jules link=topic=33578.msg892141#msg892141 date=1245531034]
Except that in neil's case it's also wishful thinking....
[/quote]

I dont think Rafa will allow both Mascherano and Xabi to leave this summer. So if we were to loose one, I would rather loose Mascher than Xabi. This will give us a year to search for a Xabi replacement. I think we can do without Mascher for 80 % of the league games, especially if we get someone like Javi Martinez in.

 

[peekay]

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

hahahahahaahahahahahahaaha

Chelsea join £18million race to grab Liverpool ace Xabi Alonso

Chelsea have joined the race to sign Spanish midfielder Xabi Alonso.

The Blues will go head-to-head with Real Madrid in an £18million battle for the Liverpool star.

The future of Alonso, 27, has been the subject of intense speculation since the end of the season.

He cast further doubt about where he will be playing next season during the Confederations Cup tournament in South Africa.

Alonso was non-committal about his plans – the broadest hint yet that he is on his way out of Liverpool, who are also battling to keep Argentine international Javier Mascherano.

Mascherano is wanted by Barcelona – and sources in Spain last night suggested that if he did join the European champions, Manchester United would move for Barca’s versatile Yaya Toure.

Chelsea have also been alerted to Alonso’s unrest and he is a player who is admired by new manager Carlo Ancelotti. The Italian is aware Chelsea need to bring down the average age of their midfield.

Frank Lampard was 31 yesterday and Michael Ballack will be 33 in September.

Temporary manager Guus Hiddink said before he left his stand-in role in May that Chelsea needed to inject younger players into their squad – and Alonso would fit the bill perfectly.

He arrived at Anfield five years ago from Real Sociedad for £10.5m and has established himself as a key member of the first-team squad under Rafa Benitez.

But his relationship with the manager became increasingly frosty last season and it now looks likely that he will be on his way out of Liverpool this summer.

Real would love to bring him back to Spain. It is appreciated at the Bernabeu that while Real will have an unstoppable strike force with the likes of Kaka, Cristiano Ronaldo and possibly Franck Ribery, there is also the need for more stability in central midfield.

Alonso would bring that balance. He has developed into a highly-rated part of the Spain outfit who have the No.1 ranking in the world following their success in Euro 2008 a year ago in Austria and Switzerland.

Alonso is certain to be an integral part of Vincente del Bosque’s plans for the World Cup finals in South Africa next summer.

But it has also been recognised at Chelsea that Alonso has adapted well into life in the Premier League and he speaks perfect English.

His style would also suit Ancelotti and he could now become the former Milan manager’s first major signing at Stamford Bridge.

http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/footb...ab-liverpool-ace-xabi-alonso-115875-21458320/

 

[Delinquent]

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

Can you imagine a midfield consisting of Ronaldo, Kaka, Alonso, and Ribery? Add a hardcore defensive midfielder to that (like Masher, for instance) and they'd be absolutely frightening. It's unlikely, I know, but frightening nonetheless.

 

[Atlas]

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

FUCK CHELSEA/MADRID/BARCA

 

[peekay]

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

[quote author=Delinquent link=topic=33578.msg892199#msg892199 date=1245539469]
Can you imagine a midfield consisting of Ronaldo, Kaka, Alonso, and Ribery? Add a hardcore defensive midfielder to that (like Masher, for instance) and they'd be absolutely frightening. It's unlikely, I know, but frightening nonetheless.
[/quote]

We will knock them out.

 

[ankreds]

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

[quote author=peekay link=topic=33578.msg892202#msg892202 date=1245539796]
[quote author=Delinquent link=topic=33578.msg892199#msg892199 date=1245539469]
Can you imagine a midfield consisting of Ronaldo, Kaka, Alonso, and Ribery? Add a hardcore defensive midfielder to that (like Masher, for instance) and they'd be absolutely frightening. It's unlikely, I know, but frightening nonetheless.
[/quote]

We will knock them out.
[/quote]

What he said.

 

[SaintGeorge67]

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

[quote author=Delinquent link=topic=33578.msg892199#msg892199 date=1245539469]
Can you imagine a midfield consisting of Ronaldo, Kaka, Alonso, and Ribery? Add a hardcore defensive midfielder to that (like Masher, for instance) and they'd be absolutely frightening. It's unlikely, I know, but frightening nonetheless.
[/quote]

They'd still lose to Liverpool.

 

[Fallon]

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

Pffft, even if he was stupid enough to go there then it would cost near double for those cunts.

 

[Avmenon]

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

[quote author=Mamma Mia link=topic=33578.msg892069#msg892069 date=1245516984]
It's this whole bad treatment "in a public manner" that gets to me. It's the same thing as the speculation this year. We have maybe 3 or 4 quotes from Rafa and Xabi, which we get to read in a dozen different contexts, with different headlines and different agendas. Then there are weeks of discussion in monster threads where every possible interpretation and hypothesis is thrown out.

It feels like a drawn out, public debacle, when in fact it is only us that make it so.
[/quote]

True enough, but part of the debacle is also because Xabi hasn't come out and said point-blank that he isn't leaving and/or staying.

 

[Delinquent]

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

[quote author=Avmenon link=topic=33578.msg892217#msg892217 date=1245554528]
[quote author=Mamma Mia link=topic=33578.msg892069#msg892069 date=1245516984]
It's this whole bad treatment "in a public manner" that gets to me. It's the same thing as the speculation this year. We have maybe 3 or 4 quotes from Rafa and Xabi, which we get to read in a dozen different contexts, with different headlines and different agendas. Then there are weeks of discussion in monster threads where every possible interpretation and hypothesis is thrown out.

It feels like a drawn out, public debacle, when in fact it is only us that make it so.
[/quote]

True enough, but part of the debacle is also because Xabi hasn't come out and said point-blank that he isn't leaving and/or staying.
[/quote]

He probably doesn't know either way. If Benitez is still prepared to listen to offers for him (albeit larger offers than last season), then nothing is set in stone.

 

[spider-Neil]

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

[quote author=Judge Jules link=topic=33578.msg892141#msg892141 date=1245531034]
Except that in neil's case it's also wishful thinking....
[/quote]

I don't want masher to leave but I wont exactly be broken up about it especially if we recieve 30 plus million. never keep a player who wants to leave (providing he DOES want to leave).

 

[krissr]

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

Noooooooooooooooooooooo

From the Daily Mail


Xabi Alonso sacrificed to Real Madrid as £17m Glen Johnson arrival kickstarts Kop rebuild

Real Madrid have made a renewed bid for Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso and expect to sign him in a £30million deal.

The move comes just hours after Liverpool agreed a £17m deal for Portsmouth full-back Glen Johnson ahead of competition from Chelsea. And that will signal the £8million departure of Alvaro Arbeloa to Real Madrid too.
Real's pursuit of Alonso has been dogged. They made an approach for the Spain midfielder last month and tabled a £20m offer but Liverpool were reluctant to sell.

Yet, despite his new Galacticos era, Florentino Perez has been put under pressure by fans to bring in Spanish players and Alonso and Arbeloa will go a long way to appease them.


Chelsea had also inquired about the 27-year-old Alonso but Rafa Benitez did not want to sell to his Premier League rivals. Alonso has made it clear he was not entirely happy working with Benitez and a move to Madrid will suit both parties.
Benitez will now concentrate on trying to keep Javier Mascherano, despite Barcelona's interest, and will use the funds from Alonso's transfer to continue re-building his team.

The signing of Johnson, as exclusively revealed by Sportsmail, will help persuade new recruits that Liverpool still mean business

 

[red_maradona]

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

30m for alonso is a decent fee, especially if he is unhappy - the question then would be who would replace him? My *dream* signing would be De rossi.

 

[SaintGeorge67]

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

£30m for Alonso going with Martinez and maybe Silva coming for that money would do me nicely.

 

[rebel23]

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

the Mail said exact same thing 23 days ago, they're just going round in circles

Liverpool 'accept' Real Madrid's £22m Xabi Alonso bid with ex-United star Gabriel Heinze set for Anfield
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/fo...m-rated-Liverpool-midfielder-Xabi-Alonso.html

infact, they seem particularly obessed with Alonso (from their search function)


Real Madrid go public after making £20m bid for Liverpool's Alonso
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/fo...ic-making-20m-bid-Liverpools-Xabi-Alonso.html

Juventus ready to fight Real Madrid for Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/fo...-Madrid-Liverpool-midfielder-Xabi-Alonso.html

Atletico line up offer to tempt Liverpool star Alonso back to Spain
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/fo...-offer-tempt-Liverpool-star-Alonso-Spain.html

Xabi Alonso switch for Barcelona's Toure, would get the Yaya from Liverpool boss Benitez
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/fo...ch-Barcas-Toure-Yaya-Liverpool-boss-Rafa.html

Arsenal keep tabs on £12m-rated Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/fo...m-rated-Liverpool-midfielder-Xabi-Alonso.html

and much more

 

[HC]

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

When has Alonso made it clear he's not entirely happy working with Rafa?

Fuck off Daily mail.

 

[SaintGeorge67]

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

[quote author=Hardcastle link=topic=33578.msg893260#msg893260 date=1245714710]
When has Alonso made it clear he's not entirely happy working with Rafa?

Fuck off Daily mail.
[/quote]

They probably got that info from SCM 😉

 

[Ryan]

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

The Daily Mail.

 

[spider-Neil]

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

[quote author=Ryan link=topic=33578.msg893265#msg893265 date=1245719738]
The Daily Mail.
[/quote]

The Daily Fail.

 

[Glock21]

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

If we were to sell him it must be big money. At least 30 mil. Rafael should not entertain offers less than that.

 

[TheBunnyman]

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

I don't believe that story - no quotes, even from 'sources close to X'. £30m would not be a bad fee (especially as we couldn't sell him for half that much last summer) but I'd still be much happier if Xabi stayed. Who could replace him?

And don't say Javi Martinez unless you've actually watched him play a few times.

 

[Oncy]

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

[quote author=TheBunnyman link=topic=33578.msg893292#msg893292 date=1245740671]
I don't believe that story - no quotes, even from 'sources close to X'. £30m would not be a bad fee (especially as we couldn't sell him for half that much last summer) but I'd still be much happier if Xabi stayed. Who could replace him?

And don't say Javi Martinez unless you've actually watched him play a few times.

[/quote]Ive watched him a few times and hes much more attacking than Xabi.
I'd go with the De Rossi vote, but i dont think it would happen, maybe Jenas. I quite like Jenas.