The incredible Xabi Alonso thread 2009.

[Buddha]

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

hmmmm....

Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso insists he would have 'no regrets' about staying at Anfield, but has refused to rule out a big-money move to Real Madrid.

The Spain international, who scored the winning goal for his country in Sunday's Confederations Cup third-placed play-off win over hosts South Africa, has been strongly linked with a £25million switch to the Bernabeu over the past 12 months.

Alonso looked set to be sold last summer in order to make room for Gareth Barry, then of Aston Villa, before the deal collapsed and the 27-year-old is understood to have been offended by manager Rafa Benitez's apparent desire to cash in.

Benitez maintains that he does not want to part company with the influential former Real Sociedad player, but Real are understood to remain keen to team Alonso with the likes of Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo as they form a new era of 'galacticos'.

And Alonso is refusing to dismiss any outcome on his future, telling Don Balon: "In respect to all this I have not closed any door and we will just have to wait and see what happens.

Positive

"It is always positive when various teams are said to want you because that is better than nobody being interested, but I cannot say much more.

"I know that I have to keep playing well and will be able to decide what happens next whenever it arises.

"I do not think a move to Real Madrid is impossible, but I would also have no regrets at all staying at Liverpool."

Reports on Merseyside claim that Benitez is to hold clear-the-air talks with Alonso this week as the pair attempt to settle their rumoured bust-up.

No problem
The 61-time Spain cap insists he has no problem working with his current boss, who brought him to England in 2004, but has not expanded upon their association.

"My relationship with Benitez is professional, just like he has with any other player. I believe that is how things will stay too," Alonso continued.

"I am happy in England and have adapted, but I do miss certain things from Spain. I cannot rule out a move or even staying in the Premier League.

"I am happy there (England) and although I was a bit home sick at the start, I am still there.

"This situation is normal for me because I know what is actually happening, away from what is being reported. For that reason I am perfectly calm."

 

[Mystic]

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

[quote author=Buddha link=topic=33578.msg897318#msg897318 date=1246287699]
I cannot rule out a move or even staying in the Premier League.

[/quote]

Oh i do hope he meant staying at Liverpool and not going to another premier league club, that would be a bad move Chabby.

I hope we sort out the Alonso case, i really don't want him to leave, well unless it's for £35million.

 

[Y1]

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

[quote author=Mystic link=topic=33578.msg897325#msg897325 date=1246289590]
[quote author=Buddha link=topic=33578.msg897318#msg897318 date=1246287699]
I cannot rule out a move or even staying in the Premier League.

[/quote]

Oh i do hope he meant staying at Liverpool and not going to another premier league club, that would be a bad move Chabby.

I hope we sort out the Alonso case, i really don't want him to leave, well unless it's for £35million.
[/quote]

He is as good as gone. Maybe.

 

[Skullflower]

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

if xabi and mash are gonna leave, i hope they fuck off asap.

 

[Oncy]

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

[quote author=Skullflower link=topic=33578.msg897329#msg897329 date=1246290673]
if xabi and mash are gonna leave, i hope they fuck off asap.
[/quote]Is fucking right mate.

 

[gkmacca]

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

The 'Rafa hurt Xabi' nonsense has run its course. Professionals deal with these things. If he had a problem, he should have knocked on the door and discussed it. End of story. This is tiresomely devious.

 

[Judge Jules]

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

Freakin' A.

 

[ILD]

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

Has Xabi 61 caps for Spain?

 

[the_khl]

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

I think the gist of all this Alonso-talk is just him enjoying a bit of a payback after last Summers media-shenanigangs with Rafa more or less officially stating he was deemed surplus to requirements. You can't even blame him I reckon but fuck me it's getting tiresome to follow.

Personally I'm sure he's still a red come the start of the Season starting in our midfield alongside Masher by the way.

Fingers crossed and all that.

 

[Mystic]

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

[quote author=ILD link=topic=33578.msg897342#msg897342 date=1246292197]
Has Xabi 61 caps for Spain?
[/quote]

Indeed i saw this and wondered, thats very impressive if he has.

 

[Mors]

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

[quote author=the_khl link=topic=33578.msg897343#msg897343 date=1246292311]
I think the gist of all this Alonso-talk is just him enjoying a bit of a payback after last Summers media-shenanigangs with Rafa more or less officially stating he was deemed surplus to requirements. You can't even blame him I reckon but fuck me it's getting tiresome to follow.

Personally I'm sure he's still a red come the start of the Season starting in our midfield alongside Masher by the way.

Fingers crossed and all that.
[/quote]

And if he goes back to his bollocks form? We'll all be wishing we'd flogged him for 30mill to Real....

 

[the_khl]

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

[quote author=Mors link=topic=33578.msg897347#msg897347 date=1246292399]
[quote author=the_khl link=topic=33578.msg897343#msg897343 date=1246292311]
I think the gist of all this Alonso-talk is just him enjoying a bit of a payback after last Summers media-shenanigangs with Rafa more or less officially stating he was deemed surplus to requirements. You can't even blame him I reckon but fuck me it's getting tiresome to follow.

Personally I'm sure he's still a red come the start of the Season starting in our midfield alongside Masher by the way.

Fingers crossed and all that.
[/quote]

And if he goes back to his bollocks form? We'll all be wishing we'd flogged him for 30mill to Real....
[/quote]
In all honesty I don't think he'll revert back into that mess of a form. Rather the contrary actually.

 

[Avmenon]

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

I'm so tired of all this shit.

Rafa wants you to stay.

If you're still pissed off about last year and want to fuck off, well, that's your choice.

But fucking decide already.

 

[gkmacca]

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

There's a great moment in that movie The Sunshine Boys when a double act are forced together again after years of sulking over the most trivial of things - one was supposed to cue a line by saying 'Come in' and instead he always said 'Enter!' This is starting to sound like Alonso will still be fuming over not being hugged last season when he's fecking 98! Get over it!

 

[Bob Loblaw]

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

I think it hilarious that people get so wound up that Alonso has only given maybe I will maybe I wont comments and people are jumping down his troat, pointing to the fact he is fuming at Rafa even though he just played his best season ever under him. To me this is a case of us having a great player other another club is interested in and his head might be slightly turned due to the fact they are in his native country and are building a new team of galacticos which is a draw to him. The fact he has been playing in an international tournament leads me to think he hasn't even made his mind up one way or the other hence the fence sitting and while he now needs to make a decision over the next 2 weeks before preseason, I think its unfair to think he would have a clear mind about all this due to his international commitments.

I really hope he stays but if he does want to go we should let him and rape Madrid for all we can.

Funny how no-one is lashing out at Arbeloa despite him being even further out the door

 

[Squiggles]

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

Because we've already signed a better replacement for him... the reactions aren't comparable.

And I don't believe he's just "doing it for the money"; Madrid are in the process of signing the worlds best players, and are on the verge of becoming a real force again. That's going to appeal to any footballer. 

 

[DCH]

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

Poor the Xabi.

Doesn't feel loved by Rafa because the trigger price in Rafa's head can actually be met by Real. If he goes to Real I hope we can meet them in the UCL so that we can smash the whole lot of them.

 

[jexykrodic]

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

Given there are direct quotes from Alonso he should immediately seek a meeting with Benitez and tell him that he wants to move.

His vacillation about 'not ruling things out' mean he wants to tease out an offer from another club.

Benitez should remind him that he is under contract to Liverpool and that he does not have permission to speak to other clubs.

The discussion ends at that point.

If Alonso wishes to pout and not put in the required effort then Benitez will simply drop him as before.

I like Alonso as a player but he is not important enough to play games with his contract. He should be reminded of that.

Oh yeah, and by the way; anyone who thinks that you can 'man-manage' an individual simply by sitting them down and having a one to one is very naive. You cannot second guess the motivations of an individual and trying to do so will impair your focus.

If someone has decided they want a change there is very little to be done and no energy should be expended. Simply replace and move on.

 

[Bob Loblaw]

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

[quote author=Squiggles link=topic=33578.msg897383#msg897383 date=1246297989]
Because we've already signed a better replacement for him... the reactions aren't comparable.

And I don't believe he's just "doing it for the money"; Madrid are in the process of signing the worlds best players, and are on the verge of becoming a real force again. That's going to appeal to any footballer.
[/quote]

So its just because Xabi's a better player that he's a judas, whereas we dont give a flyin fuck about Arbeloa exiting the exact same way because he's not as good, double standards surely?

 

[mark1975]

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

[quote author=Bob Loblaw link=topic=33578.msg897489#msg897489 date=1246317243]
[quote author=Squiggles link=topic=33578.msg897383#msg897383 date=1246297989]
Because we've already signed a better replacement for him... the reactions aren't comparable.

And I don't believe he's just "doing it for the money"; Madrid are in the process of signing the worlds best players, and are on the verge of becoming a real force again. That's going to appeal to any footballer.
[/quote]

So its just because Xabi's a better player that he's a judas, whereas we dont give a flyin fuck about Arbeloa exiting the exact same way because he's not as good, double standards surely?
[/quote]

Hmmmm... Not at all really Bob. Rafa has bought a replacement for Arbeloa and if reports are true Arby is seeking a return due to he and his family feeling homesick and WANTING to go back to Spain.

Xabi is harbouring something of a grudge for the way he was nearly sold last season. We've all acknowledged Rafa could have handled the situation better initially, but since then he has done all he can to make Xabi feel wanted. You know, like a grown man would, he's moved on and tried to meet Xabi halfway.

 

[keniget]

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

[quote author=mark1975 link=topic=33578.msg897598#msg897598 date=1246347497]
Xabi is harbouring something of a grudge for the way he was nearly sold last season. We've all acknowledged Rafa could have handled the situation better initially, but since then he has done all he can to make Xabi feel wanted. You know, like a grown man would, he's moved on and tried to meet Xabi halfway.
[/quote]

Has he?

We're all talking as though we know what's going on behind closed doors. We don't know what Rafa has done or said. We don't know what Xabi has done or said. It could be that he's still unhappy about last summer, it could be a culmination of other things - maybe Xabi wants to go home too.

We don't know and that's partially down to Xabi keeping things in-house. I'd much rather that than Tevez like behaviour in the media.

 

[Tinto]

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

Seems to me everybody, including Rafa, is keeping their options opens. Neither Mascher nor Xabi has actually said they want to leave but are flattered by interest from Barca or Madrid. They've also said they would be quite alright about staying.

I know Rafa has said he doesn't want them to go but actions speaks much louder than words and a new contract hasn't been offered to either of them. Torres got offered a new contract as soon as the season ended which wasn't on longer terms but just a pay rise. If you're after an offer which is too good to turn down, you will say the players are not for sale.

 

[mark1975]

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

[quote author=keniget link=topic=33578.msg897601#msg897601 date=1246348566]
[quote author=mark1975 link=topic=33578.msg897598#msg897598 date=1246347497]
Xabi is harbouring something of a grudge for the way he was nearly sold last season. We've all acknowledged Rafa could have handled the situation better initially, but since then he has done all he can to make Xabi feel wanted. You know, like a grown man would, he's moved on and tried to meet Xabi halfway.
[/quote]

Has he?

We're all talking as though we know what's going on behind closed doors. We don't know what Rafa has done or said. We don't know what Xabi has done or said. It could be that he's still unhappy about last summer, it could be a culmination of other things - maybe Xabi wants to go home too.

We don't know and that's partially down to Xabi keeping things in-house. I'd much rather that than Tevez like behaviour in the media.
[/quote]

Well we can only take what's being said in the public eye, I've posted Rafa's comments earlier in this thread, and we've read Xabi's take on it. It's easy to see who's going the extra yard.

 

[Bob Loblaw]

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

[quote author=mark1975 link=topic=33578.msg897598#msg897598 date=1246347497]
[quote author=Bob Loblaw link=topic=33578.msg897489#msg897489 date=1246317243]
[quote author=Squiggles link=topic=33578.msg897383#msg897383 date=1246297989]
Because we've already signed a better replacement for him... the reactions aren't comparable.

And I don't believe he's just "doing it for the money"; Madrid are in the process of signing the worlds best players, and are on the verge of becoming a real force again. That's going to appeal to any footballer.
[/quote]

So its just because Xabi's a better player that he's a judas, whereas we dont give a flyin fuck about Arbeloa exiting the exact same way because he's not as good, double standards surely?
[/quote]

Hmmmm... Not at all really Bob. Rafa has bought a replacement for Arbeloa and if reports are true Arby is seeking a return due to he and his family feeling homesick and WANTING to go back to Spain.

Xabi is harbouring something of a grudge for the way he was nearly sold last season. We've all acknowledged Rafa could have handled the situation better initially, but since then he has done all he can to make Xabi feel wanted. You know, like a grown man would, he's moved on and tried to meet Xabi halfway.
[/quote]

Mark I would fully agree with you if it was proven that Xabi has been habouring a grudge, however thats far from the being the case, all of his comments have been neutral to positive that he would stay, everything else has been dreamed up by the hacks. It might be just an interesting proposition for him to play for Real? the same as Arbeloa?

 

[keniget]

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

Heh, again, is it really?

In some cases, it's the media distorting the situation to make headlines. In others, it paints the true picture. It always seems to depend on our feelings on the matter. Even if we could say for certain "who is going the extra yard" or what is happening behind closed doors now, we don't know what's come before and cannot judge with any real perspective or context.

Rafa tried to sell Xabi last season, mistake or no mistake, that was his right as a manager. Xabi is now keeping his cards close to his chest, that's his right also. He's been a good professional during his time here and if he does decide to leave in the end, I will wish him well (even though that'll be shortlived as I dislike Real).

 

[mark1975]

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

[quote author=Bob Loblaw link=topic=33578.msg897619#msg897619 date=1246352034]
[quote author=mark1975 link=topic=33578.msg897598#msg897598 date=1246347497]
[quote author=Bob Loblaw link=topic=33578.msg897489#msg897489 date=1246317243]
[quote author=Squiggles link=topic=33578.msg897383#msg897383 date=1246297989]
Because we've already signed a better replacement for him... the reactions aren't comparable.

And I don't believe he's just "doing it for the money"; Madrid are in the process of signing the worlds best players, and are on the verge of becoming a real force again. That's going to appeal to any footballer.
[/quote]

So its just because Xabi's a better player that he's a judas, whereas we dont give a flyin fuck about Arbeloa exiting the exact same way because he's not as good, double standards surely?
[/quote]

Hmmmm... Not at all really Bob. Rafa has bought a replacement for Arbeloa and if reports are true Arby is seeking a return due to he and his family feeling homesick and WANTING to go back to Spain.

Xabi is harbouring something of a grudge for the way he was nearly sold last season. We've all acknowledged Rafa could have handled the situation better initially, but since then he has done all he can to make Xabi feel wanted. You know, like a grown man would, he's moved on and tried to meet Xabi halfway.
[/quote]

Mark I would fully agree with you if it was proven that Xabi has been habouring a grudge, however thats far from the being the case, all of his comments have been neutral to positive that he would stay, everything else has been dreamed up by the hacks. It might be just an interesting proposition for him to play for Real? the same as Arbeloa?
[/quote]

Fair enough, I agree it's an attractive proposition playing alongside Ronaldo and Kaka. Alot of people seem intent on blaming Rafa for the way this is going, the point I was making is that he's moved on and publicly stated his desire for Xabi to stay. It's not like Rafa's initial reservations were unwarranted, he just handled it badly, Xabi should man up like he did on the pitch this season, he just seems a bit miffed to me and his whole attitude in interview suggests as much.

Otherwise, why would he feel the need to touch upon his working relationship with his manager? It just insinuates there are issues by the sheer fact he felt the need to comment on it.

 

[mark1975]

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

I don't know where you're going with this 'keeping it in house' thing Keni. Xabi's keeping his cards close to his chest, granted he's not coming out and blatantly expressing his frustration but he's insinuating as much by touching on all the 'sticking' points surrounding this whole saga.

The fact he's not kicking up a fuss doesn't really disguise the fact that he's not really being as open and honest as he could be. From that last interview alone and the points he touches on, it's fairly obvious all isn't right regarding his future at Liverpool. That interview is reminiscent of Owen's and Gerrard's when speculation surrounded their futures.

You're saying we can't take quotes at face value yet seem intent on pointing out that we don't know what goes on behind closed doors? So what can we comment on? The only evidence we can use is what's presented to us, it's not like the media are hiding stuff from us, both Rafa and Xabi can and will make their feelings known if they feel the need to. As far as I can see Rafa's expressed his desire for Xabi to stay, Xabi's left everything hanging, again.

 

[keniget]

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

[quote author=mark1975 link=topic=33578.msg897626#msg897626 date=1246352560]
I don't know where you're going with this 'keeping it in house' thing Keni. Xabi's keeping his cards close to his chest, granted he's not coming out and blatantly expressing his frustration but he's insinuating as much by touching on all the 'sticking' points surrounding this whole saga.

The fact he's not kicking up a fuss doesn't really disguise the fact that he's not really being as open and honest as he could be. From that last interview alone and the points he touches on, it's fairly obvious all isn't right regarding his future at Liverpool. That interview is reminiscent of Owen's and Gerrard's when speculation surrounded their futures.

You're saying we can't take quotes at face value yet seem intent on pointing out that we don't know what goes on behind closed doors? So what can we comment on? The only evidence we can use is what's presented to us, it's not like the media are hiding stuff from us, both Rafa and Xabi can and will make their feelings known if they feel the need to. As far as I can see Rafa's expressed his desire for Xabi to stay, Xabi's left everything hanging, again.
[/quote]

I'm saying that people are making judgements when they don't necessarily know the full story. Personally, I don't see the need to get worked up over Xabi's comments. The guy is obviously unsure as to how things will play out, so what is he supposed to say? What sort of honesty are you looking for here? He's keeping his cards close to his chest and we'll find out soon enough.

Although not quite as vocal as one or two on here, I've been one of Xabi's biggest supporters, but I'm not going to feel betrayed in the same way I did with Owen and Gerrard in this case.

 

[Mamma Mia]

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

[quote author=keniget link=topic=33578.msg897601#msg897601 date=1246348566]
[quote author=mark1975 link=topic=33578.msg897598#msg897598 date=1246347497]
Xabi is harbouring something of a grudge for the way he was nearly sold last season. We've all acknowledged Rafa could have handled the situation better initially, but since then he has done all he can to make Xabi feel wanted. You know, like a grown man would, he's moved on and tried to meet Xabi halfway.
[/quote]

Has he?

We're all talking as though we know what's going on behind closed doors. We don't know what Rafa has done or said. We don't know what Xabi has done or said. It could be that he's still unhappy about last summer, it could be a culmination of other things - maybe Xabi wants to go home too.

We don't know and that's partially down to Xabi keeping things in-house. I'd much rather that than Tevez like behaviour in the media.
[/quote]

Most sensible post in 50 pages.

Regarding the media, this thread makes me wonder if the way they speculate and make drama out of very little, is a media thing, or a cultural one.

 

[mark1975]

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

Me neither Keni, because it's not the same, I just feel a bit frustrated by it all, and with Rafa putting his cards on the table, maybe I'm just a bit old fashioned, but I hate seeing the power in the hands of the player.

I'll be gutted if he goes, he's been an integral part of the side of late (again) and we'd be hard pushed to find a better replacement. I just hope he decides on his future soon and puts us out of our misery.