The incredible Xabi Alonso thread 2009.

[Jürgen4PM]

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

Rafa Benitez out to clear the air with Xabi Alonso over Liverpool FC future
Jun 29 2009 by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo

RAFA BENITEZ will stage clear the air talks with Xabi Alonso this week, after he scored the winning goal for Spain against South Africa.

Alonso did not assurances about his future after the Confederations Cup third/fourth place play-off.

Asked whether his immediate future lay with Liverpool or Madrid, he said: “That I cannot answer.â€

Benitez does not want to lose either Alonso or Javier Mascherano, but if Alonso is keen for a Bernabeu switch – as the Spanish press are reporting – he wants the player to publicly come out and state his intentions.

Benitez has been actively discouraging any interest in his coveted central midfield duo and recently told Barcelona Mascherano was not for sale at any price.

But while he has reluctantly accepted there is little he can do to keep hold of a player who is adamant he wants a move, he will not let both leave Anfield.

 

[koze]

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

[quote author=Anita link=topic=33578.msg897153#msg897153 date=1246274949]
And I wouldn't blame him if he did.

I think if I was in his position I'd avoid saying too much. Let's not look at this summer in isloation; it was Rafa who instigated Alonso moving away from the club last summer. Only Alonso didn't have the luxury of doing it on his own terms, so he sat tight. This summer he's making sure he gets things done on his own terms.

Either he's decided that he doesn't want to stay because he doesn't feel wanted enough because of what happened last summer, or he thinks Rafa is still looking to sell him. Either way, like I said. I don't really blame him, I'd do the same. I wouldn't wanna stay somewhere I'm not wanted.

Rafa's actions from last summer have come back to bite him in the arse, simple as.
[/quote]
Lol.

How could Alonso feel "unwanted" when the manager has explicitly stated that he wanted him to stay? What about the fans who have made it quite clear that they also wanted him to stay? What else does he need? A blowjob? I think I know someone who is seemingly more than happy to give him one...

 

[H]

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

well said seizer.

 

[LadyRed]

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

[quote author=koze link=topic=33578.msg897187#msg897187 date=1246277558]
[quote author=Anita link=topic=33578.msg897153#msg897153 date=1246274949]
And I wouldn't blame him if he did.

I think if I was in his position I'd avoid saying too much. Let's not look at this summer in isloation; it was Rafa who instigated Alonso moving away from the club last summer. Only Alonso didn't have the luxury of doing it on his own terms, so he sat tight. This summer he's making sure he gets things done on his own terms.

Either he's decided that he doesn't want to stay because he doesn't feel wanted enough because of what happened last summer, or he thinks Rafa is still looking to sell him. Either way, like I said. I don't really blame him, I'd do the same. I wouldn't wanna stay somewhere I'm not wanted.

Rafa's actions from last summer have come back to bite him in the arse, simple as.
[/quote]
Lol.

How could Alonso feel "unwanted" when the manager has explicitly stated that he wanted him to stay?

[/quote]

Eh, because that manager tried to sell him 12 months ago. Maybe he'e not willing to forgive and forget, that's his perogative.

 

[koze]

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

[quote author=Anita link=topic=33578.msg897200#msg897200 date=1246278409]
[quote author=koze link=topic=33578.msg897187#msg897187 date=1246277558]
[quote author=Anita link=topic=33578.msg897153#msg897153 date=1246274949]
And I wouldn't blame him if he did.

I think if I was in his position I'd avoid saying too much. Let's not look at this summer in isloation; it was Rafa who instigated Alonso moving away from the club last summer. Only Alonso didn't have the luxury of doing it on his own terms, so he sat tight. This summer he's making sure he gets things done on his own terms.

Either he's decided that he doesn't want to stay because he doesn't feel wanted enough because of what happened last summer, or he thinks Rafa is still looking to sell him. Either way, like I said. I don't really blame him, I'd do the same. I wouldn't wanna stay somewhere I'm not wanted.

Rafa's actions from last summer have come back to bite him in the arse, simple as.
[/quote]
Lol.

How could Alonso feel "unwanted" when the manager has explicitly stated that he wanted him to stay?

[/quote]

Eh, because that manager tried to sell him 12 months ago. Maybe he'e not willing to forgive and forget, that's his perogative.
[/quote]
He's a sook.

 

[Biggus Dickus]

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

[quote author=H link=topic=33578.msg897194#msg897194 date=1246277965]
well said seizer.
[/quote]

;D

 

[LadyRed]

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

[quote author=koze link=topic=33578.msg897201#msg897201 date=1246278452]
[quote author=Anita link=topic=33578.msg897200#msg897200 date=1246278409]
[quote author=koze link=topic=33578.msg897187#msg897187 date=1246277558]
[quote author=Anita link=topic=33578.msg897153#msg897153 date=1246274949]
And I wouldn't blame him if he did.

I think if I was in his position I'd avoid saying too much. Let's not look at this summer in isloation; it was Rafa who instigated Alonso moving away from the club last summer. Only Alonso didn't have the luxury of doing it on his own terms, so he sat tight. This summer he's making sure he gets things done on his own terms.

Either he's decided that he doesn't want to stay because he doesn't feel wanted enough because of what happened last summer, or he thinks Rafa is still looking to sell him. Either way, like I said. I don't really blame him, I'd do the same. I wouldn't wanna stay somewhere I'm not wanted.

Rafa's actions from last summer have come back to bite him in the arse, simple as.
[/quote]
Lol.

How could Alonso feel "unwanted" when the manager has explicitly stated that he wanted him to stay?

[/quote]

Eh, because that manager tried to sell him 12 months ago. Maybe he'e not willing to forgive and forget, that's his perogative.
[/quote]
He's a sook.
[/quote]

Say what?

 

[LadyRed]

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

[quote author=Rafa4PM link=topic=33578.msg897176#msg897176 date=1246276740]
Rafa Benitez out to clear the air with Xabi Alonso over Liverpool FC future

[/quote]

Good, I'm glad.

Hopefully it will put an end to all this drama.

 

[Judge Jules]

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

[quote author=Anita link=topic=33578.msg897200#msg897200 date=1246278409]
[quote author=koze link=topic=33578.msg897187#msg897187 date=1246277558]
[quote author=Anita link=topic=33578.msg897153#msg897153 date=1246274949]
And I wouldn't blame him if he did.

I think if I was in his position I'd avoid saying too much. Let's not look at this summer in isloation; it was Rafa who instigated Alonso moving away from the club last summer. Only Alonso didn't have the luxury of doing it on his own terms, so he sat tight. This summer he's making sure he gets things done on his own terms.

Either he's decided that he doesn't want to stay because he doesn't feel wanted enough because of what happened last summer, or he thinks Rafa is still looking to sell him. Either way, like I said. I don't really blame him, I'd do the same. I wouldn't wanna stay somewhere I'm not wanted.

Rafa's actions from last summer have come back to bite him in the arse, simple as.
[/quote]
Lol.

How could Alonso feel "unwanted" when the manager has explicitly stated that he wanted him to stay?

[/quote]

Eh, because that manager tried to sell him 12 months ago. Maybe he'e not willing to forgive and forget, that's his perogative.
[/quote]

No it isn't, not for a grown man who should know better than to sulk, especially when his form at that time was mediocre.

 

[koze]

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

[quote author=Judge Jules link=topic=33578.msg897210#msg897210 date=1246278800]
[quote author=Anita link=topic=33578.msg897200#msg897200 date=1246278409]
[quote author=koze link=topic=33578.msg897187#msg897187 date=1246277558]
[quote author=Anita link=topic=33578.msg897153#msg897153 date=1246274949]
And I wouldn't blame him if he did.

I think if I was in his position I'd avoid saying too much. Let's not look at this summer in isloation; it was Rafa who instigated Alonso moving away from the club last summer. Only Alonso didn't have the luxury of doing it on his own terms, so he sat tight. This summer he's making sure he gets things done on his own terms.

Either he's decided that he doesn't want to stay because he doesn't feel wanted enough because of what happened last summer, or he thinks Rafa is still looking to sell him. Either way, like I said. I don't really blame him, I'd do the same. I wouldn't wanna stay somewhere I'm not wanted.

Rafa's actions from last summer have come back to bite him in the arse, simple as.
[/quote]
Lol.

How could Alonso feel "unwanted" when the manager has explicitly stated that he wanted him to stay?

[/quote]

Eh, because that manager tried to sell him 12 months ago. Maybe he'e not willing to forgive and forget, that's his perogative.
[/quote]

No it isn't, not for a grown man who should know better than to sulk, especially when his form at that time was mediocre.
[/quote]

 

[LadyRed]

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

JJ,

Your manager at work went looking for a replacement for you without you showing any desire to leave. The replacement doesn't work out, so your manager then tell you, you ae great and I want you to stay.

Would you want to stay there? Would you look to move on?

I know which I'd do.

 

[koze]

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

[quote author=Anita link=topic=33578.msg897214#msg897214 date=1246279147]
JJ,

Your manager at work went looking for a replacement for you without you showing any desire to leave. The replacement doesn't work out, so your manager then tell you, you ae great and I want you to stay.

Would you want to stay there? Would you look to move on?

I know which I'd do.
[/quote]
Now that really depends,

Were you performing for the two years you spent working there?

 

[Judge Jules]

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

Very slanted, Anita. You left out the bit about Xabi playing like a puppet with broken strings when Rafa was looking to sell him, but then getting back to being one of the best playmakers anywhere, which is why the same manager made him his very first signing for this club. I hope I'd be balanced enough to acknowledge that and my share of the blame, put it all behind me and make a fresh start off the field just as I had - with great success - on it.

 

[Squiggles]

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

[quote author=Judge Jules link=topic=33578.msg897210#msg897210 date=1246278800]
[quote author=Anita link=topic=33578.msg897200#msg897200 date=1246278409]
[quote author=koze link=topic=33578.msg897187#msg897187 date=1246277558]
[quote author=Anita link=topic=33578.msg897153#msg897153 date=1246274949]
And I wouldn't blame him if he did.

I think if I was in his position I'd avoid saying too much.  Let's not look at this summer in isloation; it was Rafa who instigated Alonso moving away from the club last summer. Only Alonso didn't have the luxury of doing it on his own terms, so he sat tight. This summer he's making sure he gets things done on his own terms.

Either he's decided that he doesn't want to stay because he doesn't feel wanted enough because of what happened last summer, or he thinks Rafa is still looking to sell him. Either way, like I said. I don't really blame him, I'd do the same. I wouldn't wanna stay somewhere I'm not wanted.

Rafa's actions from last summer have come back to bite him in the arse, simple as.
[/quote]
Lol.

How could Alonso feel "unwanted" when the manager has explicitly stated that he wanted him to stay?

[/quote]

Eh, because that manager tried to sell him 12 months ago. Maybe he'e not willing to forgive and forget, that's his perogative.
[/quote]

No it isn't, not for a grown man who should know better than to sulk, especially when his form at that time was mediocre.
[/quote]

It's not a "sulk" - sulks don't last 12 months. If Xabi does decide to leave, it will be the result of a lot of hard thinking and time.

At the start of this thread I was really angry and blamed Rafa's because of his actions last season, but in hindsight holding either party is culpable is ultimately pointless. Both Rafa and Xabi have their reasons for what's happened, and I suspect both of them could justify their actions regardless of the outcome this summer.

There's also so much we don't know about; a public plea to stay isn't *everything* is it? We don't know what Rafa's been acting like all year. We pretty much know fuck all.

We as fans have to suck it up and see what happens.

 

[jimmy]

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

Come on, Anita.

The manager looked to sell Xabi last summer following two seasons in which he underperformed.
He came back last season and had a great season.
The club needs him now as it targets the title.
The manager wants him to stay (that's what he's claiming in public now) as he needs him.
You like Xabi very much. Most LFC fans like him and want him to stay.
You like Liverpool Football club more than you like Xabi Alonso (I hope so). Most LFC fans do.

He should stay. End of.
If he wants to go to Madrid he should say that clear and loud and stop hiding behind vague statements.

 

[Mors]

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

It's all doing my head in tbh, I'd be quite pleased if we got 30mill and he went. That 30mill ontop of our remaining budget might mean we buy two extra matchwinners that can score goals (which Xabi hardly ever does) and Gerrard can slot into midfield where has confessed his favourite position is. I'd rather have two extra matchwinners in the team than Xabi.

Thanks for all your hard work and service over the last few years etc, but for 30mill - Don't let the door bang you on your arse.

 

[LadyRed]

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

I don't by into this sensationalised SCM myth of 'Alonso was poor for 2 seasons'. He wasn't great but he wasn't incompetent.

 

[keniget]

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

[quote author=Judge Jules link=topic=33578.msg897217#msg897217 date=1246279544]
Very slanted, Anita. You left out the bit about Xabi playing like a puppet with broken strings when Rafa was looking to sell him, but then getting back to being one of the best playmakers anywhere, which is why the same manager made him his very first signing for this club. I hope I'd be balanced enough to acknowledge that and my share of the blame, put it all behind me and make a fresh start off the field just as I had - with great success - on it.
[/quote]

Absolute rubbish.

 

[rage]

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

we wouldn't be in this mess if rafa had sat down with alonso before he went off to s africa or better still if he'd sat down with alonso last season. rafa did try to sell alonso behind his back to some turkish side last year. right or wrong actions have consequences.

as far as i'm now concerned if alonso does want to go we should sell him quickly and shape our team accordingly rather than see him go on deadline day without time to identify and buy the player we need to replace him.

rafa's our manager and i don't mind him wanting rid last season (just think he went about it the wrong way) and alonso has been an excellent professional. we live and learn.

 

[LadyRed]

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

[quote author=jimmy link=topic=33578.msg897221#msg897221 date=1246279715]
Come on, Anita.

You like Liverpool Football club more than you like Xabi Alonso (I hope so). Most LFC fans do.

[/quote]

Of course I do. But it doesn't mean Alonso does.

If he goes now, I can't blame Rafa but I'll understand why he wants to leave. We sell him, we move on.

You can't keep a player at a club when he doesn't want to be there. Well, we: Liverpool, shouldn't.

 

[Squiggles]

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

It's amazing that Xabi Alonso's credibility can come into question after 5 years or largely excellent service and professionalism.

If he "underperformed for 2 years" he wouldn't be so widely respected amongst the fans, the media and his colleagues.

 

[Judge Jules]

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

[quote author=Squiggles link=topic=33578.msg897219#msg897219 date=1246279658]
[quote author=Judge Jules link=topic=33578.msg897210#msg897210 date=1246278800]
[quote author=Anita link=topic=33578.msg897200#msg897200 date=1246278409]
[quote author=koze link=topic=33578.msg897187#msg897187 date=1246277558]
[quote author=Anita link=topic=33578.msg897153#msg897153 date=1246274949]
And I wouldn't blame him if he did.

I think if I was in his position I'd avoid saying too much. Let's not look at this summer in isloation; it was Rafa who instigated Alonso moving away from the club last summer. Only Alonso didn't have the luxury of doing it on his own terms, so he sat tight. This summer he's making sure he gets things done on his own terms.

Either he's decided that he doesn't want to stay because he doesn't feel wanted enough because of what happened last summer, or he thinks Rafa is still looking to sell him. Either way, like I said. I don't really blame him, I'd do the same. I wouldn't wanna stay somewhere I'm not wanted.

Rafa's actions from last summer have come back to bite him in the arse, simple as.
[/quote]
Lol.

How could Alonso feel "unwanted" when the manager has explicitly stated that he wanted him to stay?

[/quote]

Eh, because that manager tried to sell him 12 months ago. Maybe he'e not willing to forgive and forget, that's his perogative.
[/quote]

No it isn't, not for a grown man who should know better than to sulk, especially when his form at that time was mediocre.
[/quote]

It's not a "sulk" - sulks don't last 12 months. If Xabi does decide to leave, it will be the result of a lot of hard thinking and time.

At the start of this thread I was really angry and blamed Rafa's because of his actions last season, but in hindsight holding either party is culpable is ultimately pointless. Both Rafa and Xabi have their reasons for what's happened, and I suspect both of them could justify their actions regardless of the outcome this summer.

There's also so much we don't know about; a public plea to stay isn't *everything* is it? We don't know what Rafa's been acting like all year. We pretty much know fuck all.

We as fans have to suck it up and see what happens.
[/quote]

Anita referred to Xabi's possible unwillingness to forgive and forget, and my dictionary defines "sulk" as "fit or state of silence, inactivity or unsociability from resentment or ill temper". There's no time limit on such things - McMoneyman's lasted longer still.

We don't know how either of them has acted behind the scenes for that matter, but I don't buy the idea that a guy as calculating as Rafa would have treated Xabi like a cnut and then made the kind of public announcement he's come out with, risking an adverse reaction from a player who had been privately outraged.

 

[TheBunnyman]

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

[quote author=Anita link=topic=33578.msg897226#msg897226 date=1246280157]
[quote author=jimmy link=topic=33578.msg897221#msg897221 date=1246279715]
Come on, Anita.

You like Liverpool Football club more than you like Xabi Alonso (I hope so). Most LFC fans do.

[/quote]

Of course I do. But it doesn't mean Alonso does.

If he goes now, I can't blame Rafa but I'll understand why he wants to leave. We sell him, we move on.

You can't keep a player at a club when he doesn't want to be there. Well, we: Liverpool, shouldn't.
[/quote]

Disagree strongly with the last line. Both Mascherano and Alonso seemingly want to leave, yet both have three years left on their contracts. Are you saying we should sell them both?

 

[Judge Jules]

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

[quote author=keniget link=topic=33578.msg897224#msg897224 date=1246280006]
[quote author=Judge Jules link=topic=33578.msg897217#msg897217 date=1246279544]
Very slanted, Anita. You left out the bit about Xabi playing like a puppet with broken strings when Rafa was looking to sell him, but then getting back to being one of the best playmakers anywhere, which is why the same manager made him his very first signing for this club. I hope I'd be balanced enough to acknowledge that and my share of the blame, put it all behind me and make a fresh start off the field just as I had - with great success - on it.
[/quote]

Absolute rubbish.
[/quote]

Eye of the beholder.

 

[Oncy]

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

I dont care if he leaves.
At all.

 

[koze]

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

[quote author=Anita link=topic=33578.msg897223#msg897223 date=1246279962]
I don't by into this sensationalised SCM myth of 'Alonso was poor for 2 seasons'. He wasn't great but he wasn't incompetent.
[/quote]
He didn't perform as well as he could've for two seasons.

Our captain went public about his love in with Gareth Barry (who is a very good player too), how he would love to play with him..

Rafa wanted Barry to replace the underperforming Xabi.. He didn't..

Xabi had a great season following the summer, and Rafa stopped wanting Barry and asked him to stay.

Xabi's meant to be oh so professional.. Just get fucking over it you big sook..

 

[LadyRed]

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

[quote author=TheBunnyman link=topic=33578.msg897230#msg897230 date=1246280405]
[quote author=Anita link=topic=33578.msg897226#msg897226 date=1246280157]
[quote author=jimmy link=topic=33578.msg897221#msg897221 date=1246279715]
Come on, Anita.

You like Liverpool Football club more than you like Xabi Alonso (I hope so). Most LFC fans do.

[/quote]

Of course I do. But it doesn't mean Alonso does.

If he goes now, I can't blame Rafa but I'll understand why he wants to leave. We sell him, we move on.

You can't keep a player at a club when he doesn't want to be there. Well, we: Liverpool, shouldn't.
[/quote]

Disagree strongly with the last line. Both Mascherano and Alonso seemingly want to leave, yet both have three years left on their contracts. Are you saying we should sell them both?
[/quote]

I don't think we should keep players that don't want to play for us. In this case that would leave us in a difficult situation, but why risk keeping unhappy players that could underperform due to a lack of desire and potentially cause an unharmonious atmosphere by remaining at the club, which could have a detrimental effect on other players.

We're Liverpool football club, and for what it's worth as far as I'm concerned we're capable of going out there and finding top players who want to play for this club: why keep hold of ones that don't?

It's not worth keeping a player whose heart is somewhere else.

And for the record, we don't *know* that both Alonso and Mascherano 'want to leave', for very different reasons both are considering their options. Like a certain Steven Gerrard once did. It didn't effect his desire to play for the club and have pride in wearing the shirt.

But if it gets to that point with any player, we should sell them.

 

[koze]

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

[quote author=Squiggles link=topic=33578.msg897228#msg897228 date=1246280340]
It's amazing that Xabi Alonso's credibility can come into question after 5 years or largely excellent service and professionalism.

If he "underperformed for 2 years" he wouldn't be so widely respected amongst the fans, the media and his colleagues.
[/quote]

Kay then, he carried us for those two years..


Christ.

 

[LeTallecWiz]

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

[quote author=Herr Onceared link=topic=33578.msg897237#msg897237 date=1246280652]
I dont care if he leaves.
At all.
[/quote]

I do but I think we can win without him - I just hope Rafa has someone in mind to replace him. Hamsik!

 

[LadyRed]

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

[quote author=Judge Jules link=topic=33578.msg897229#msg897229 date=1246280404]


Anita referred to Xabi's possible unwillingness to forgive and forget, and my dictionary defines "sulk" as "fit or state of silence, inactivity or unsociability from resentment or ill temper". There's no time limit on such things - McMoneyman's lasted longer still.

We don't know how either of them has acted behind the scenes for that matter, but I don't buy the idea that a guy as calculating as Rafa would have treated Xabi like a cnut and then made the kind of public announcement he's come out with, risking an adverse reaction from a player who had been privately outraged.
[/quote]

You should get a new dictionary.