The incredible Xabi Alonso thread 2009.

[Buddha]

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

[quote author=The Slugmonster link=topic=33578.msg910733#msg910733 date=1248337957]
[quote author=Squiggles link=topic=33578.msg910717#msg910717 date=1248336817]
[quote author=The Slugmonster link=topic=33578.msg910712#msg910712 date=1248336470]
All I can say is that, in all honesty, if Xabi wants to go back to spain then leave him. But I firmly believe that he wants to try and win more silverware with this club next year .....and even if he doesnt, then he has acted in the most professional way possible towards getting out of here. I truely believe if Rafa is to start a new dynasty this season then we HAVE to have Xabi in midfield.......if we dont keep him, I dont care who we sign.....they're not gonna be anywhere near a good enough replacement!!
[/quote]

What are you basing your idea Xabi wants to stay on? Your gut? Everything points to him wanting to leave.

And you "don't care" who replaces him...

Bizarre post
[/quote]

No you idiot......im basing it on the fact that he's still here ((travelled to asia and all he did) so did mascher whos so desperate to get a move to barcelona) and the fact that every and any big player has be linked with Real this summer....... as for not caring about who replaces him....of course I do.....but its a figure of speech....basically we cant warrant selling Xabi and getting someone as accomplished to come in and fill his void.......so basically thats where my 'couldnt care less approach' as to who we get to replace him comes from!! Losing Xabi will cost us.....end of!
[/quote]

Stranger things have happened than a top player leaving a club and said club subsequently winning trophies.

We might not get an exact replacement for Xabi (although I still maintain Pirlo would be very close), but his replacement might just prove equally effective albeit in a different way/style. And don't forget we haven't won anything for two seasons - perhaps our engine room would benefit from some tweaking?

We'll all be sad to see Xabi go, but let's wait and see how we line up without Xabi before throwing our toys out of the pram.

 

[Squiggles]

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

-

 

[Squiggles]

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

Whatever. He's here because we haven't accepted a bid for him, and doesn't yet have permission to talk to Real. If he did want to stay he would have said his heart lies with Liverpool, rather than this "can't give any guarantees" bollocks we're forced to endure.

Also not every 'big player' has been in advanced negotiations with Madrid. Anyone they've been strongly linked with so far they've bought.

 

[mark1975]

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

I think it's just a matter of time. The noise coming from him, Rafa and the press is pretty disheartening. I just hope we can spend the money and spend it well >🙁

 

[Hansern]

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

[quote author=mark1975 link=topic=33578.msg910751#msg910751 date=1248338893]
I think it's just a matter of time. The noise coming from him, Rafa and the press is pretty disheartening. I just hope we can spend the money and spend it well >🙁
[/quote]

Agreed. It looks like Aquilani is our main target, 18 mill £. Tbh I'd rather go for Defour.

 

[The Slugmonster]

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

[quote author=Squiggles link=topic=33578.msg910750#msg910750 date=1248338876]
Whatever. He's here because we haven't accepted a bid for him, and doesn't yet have permission to talk to Real. If he did want to stay he would have said his heart lies with Liverpool, rather than this "can't give any guarantees" bollocks we're forced to endure.

Also not every 'big player' has been in advanced negotiations with Madrid. Anyone they've been strongly linked with so far they've bought.


[/quote]

Xabi hasnt done anything different that Mascherano this summer except being linked with the one club that have spent millions upon millions to get who they want. Yeah sure Maschers been linked with Barca ...but who the hell are they and mascherano to merit a 100 plus page thread. To me, our central midfield have benn equally vocal (through their agents) about a move to spain.....yet Xabis move is the only one that looks like its gonna materialize because Madrid have been throwing aroung money all summer...yet still went over the deadline THEY set for a move to happen.

 

[reuque]

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

I fucking hate this summer transfer window.

 

[Squiggles]

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

It's common for a buying club to set a deadline on acquiring a player - remember they too need to find and buy an alternative.

And he still wants to leave. I don't see the merit in discussing it, nor comparing it to Masher.

 

[spider-Neil]

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

I think rafa has already spent the money in his head. if he were determined to hold on xabi he would have played him yesterday, 'injuried'...whatever :🙂

 

[gkmacca]

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

[quote author=spider-neil link=topic=33578.msg910783#msg910783 date=1248341386]
I think rafa has already spent the money in his head. if he were determined to hold on xabi he would have played him yesterday, 'injuried'...whatever :🙂
[/quote]

I hope he has 'spent the money in his head'. We wouldn't want him to wait until Alonso goes before considering a replacement. As for yesterday, I was more amazed any of the other Spanish players went on. They're not ready yet and it all looked like a PR move.

 

[doctor_mac]

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

[quote author=gkmacca link=topic=33578.msg910809#msg910809 date=1248342985]
[quote author=spider-neil link=topic=33578.msg910783#msg910783 date=1248341386]
I think rafa has already spent the money in his head. if he were determined to hold on xabi he would have played him yesterday, 'injuried'...whatever :🙂
[/quote]

I hope he has 'spent the money in his head'. We wouldn't want him to wait until Alonso goes before considering a replacement. As for yesterday, I was more amazed any of the other Spanish players went on. They're not ready yet and it all looked like a PR move.
[/quote]

I agree- Rafa was clearly encouraged to give Torres a run out. To be fair, the fact he played him for less than 10 minutes showed he was only paying lip-service to the PR demands.

 

[drizzt]

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

When they were talking about the tour before the end of the season they mentioned it was in the contract that Torres (& Gerrard) had to play.

 

[cochyn]

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

[quote author=mark1975 link=topic=33578.msg910751#msg910751 date=1248338893]
I think it's just a matter of time. The noise coming from him, Rafa and the press is pretty disheartening. I just hope we can spend the money and spend it well >🙁
[/quote]

speculative journalism and not noises i think. Other than his i am flattered comment and refuse to rule out the move, what other things has he really said?

 

[drizzt]

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

[quote author=cochyn link=topic=33578.msg910846#msg910846 date=1248345817]
[quote author=mark1975 link=topic=33578.msg910751#msg910751 date=1248338893]
I think it's just a matter of time. The noise coming from him, Rafa and the press is pretty disheartening. I just hope we can spend the money and spend it well >🙁
[/quote]

speculative journalism and not noises i think. Other than his i am flattered comment and refuse to rule out the move, what other things has he really said?
[/quote]

It's what he hasn't said that is the cause for concern.

 

[Jack D Rips]

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

I just want this thing sorted now. The league starts in just over three weeks and we dont know if our two CM will be here at the start of the season. Its a fucking shambles really!

Its not much good having the money spent in his head, he needs something a lot more advanced than that

 

[Molbystwin]

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

I think Rafas comments about the spanish press were key, according to the spanish press yesterday its a deal to be concluded in hours as Real have upped the offer to 32M pounds.... then LFC issues a firm denial.... its absolute bollox IMO, I genuinely do not think we'll sell unless we get the fat offer.

In the times article i just read i had to laugh at the shameless arrogance of the Real man who said regarding the transfer, and i quote....

"Liverpool have asked for more than Madrid are ready to pay and it's very difficult to understand"


HAHHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAAHHAAHAHAAA.....


difficult to understand?? like we dont want to sell you one of the best midfielders in the world unless you pay through the nose.... how is that difficult to understand??? I would just love to have the opportunity to explain the the complete cunt.. im praying we get the chance to fuck them over again 5 fucking nill .... what a bunch of cunts.... i hate them all the more for making me have a bit of respect for Fergie and the way he reacted with his franco and virus comments.

Glorious arrogance.... Rafa has got to fuck them over as a matter of principle now. Rafa should come out and say Alonso is not for sale and then privately ask the moon and the stars the next time they make a call, on the basis that the longer it takes the more money we need to replace him.... IF we have actually been asking for 35M now we should ask for 35M plus sneijdererer, then should we sell we can point at the transfer deal and explain to the whole world how Real got fucked.

 

[Jürgen4PM]

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

Our gloating over any potential deal might be short lived if we draw them in the CL.

 

[peekay]

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

[quote author=Rafa4PM link=topic=33578.msg910961#msg910961 date=1248357517]
Our gloating over any potential deal might be short lived if we draw them in the CL.
[/quote]

We will knock em out

 

[Wilko7]

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

[quote author=Ryan link=topic=33578.msg910661#msg910661 date=1248321410]
[quote author=Wilko7 link=topic=33578.msg910657#msg910657 date=1248317407]
Quite frankly I'm disgusted with the apparent disloyalty of our central midfield this close season. Should they need to be replaced then the nationality and potential for homesickness of the newcomers needs to come under careful scrutiny to avoid a repeat of this nonsense.
[/quote]

Rafa: "So Mr Prospective signing, I see from your application that you're from Ecuador"

Carlos Kickaball: "Si"

Rafa: "Do you think you'll get homesick if you join LFC?"

CK: "I no understand?"

Rafa: "Your family. Your parents, your 35 brothers and sisters, your goats, your jumpers for goalposts upbringing, your shantytown existence - all stuck back in Ecuador. Is it possible you may at some stage, any stage in your time here at LFC, miss some or all of these things?"

CK: "Si, si, ees possible. My goats ees very special to me"

Rafa: "Next"



Yeah, that would work well Wilko. Fucking super idea.
[/quote]

Grow up you silly clown. Would you not agree that a player who heralds from a country and culture that is closer to ours is more likely to be settled at Anfield and provide stability and continuity to key areas of the team as opposed to an Argentinian who wants to leave because his family can't settle in Liverpool and he is tired of England. Is this difficult for you to understand?

 

[Molbystwin]

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

spark out.... like a light....

I hope we get them in the second round just so they get plenty of chance to concentarte on the league as barca romp it.


utter wankers.

 

[keniget]

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

[quote author=Wilko7 link=topic=33578.msg910966#msg910966 date=1248358128]
Grow up you silly clown. Would you not agree that a player who heralds from a country and culture that is closer to ours is more likely to be settled at Anfield and provide stability and continuity to key areas of the team as opposed to an Argentinian who wants to leave because his family can't settle in Liverpool and he is tired of England. Is this difficult for you to understand?
[/quote]

Yes, we should look for more players like Voronin. He and his family settled really well in Liverpool.

 

[eecheerow]

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

[size=10pt]Liverpool deny Real Madrid deal for Xabi Alonso[/size]
• 'People can say what they like, there is no deal'
• Madrid director refuses to give up on Alonso and Arbeloa

Jeremy Campbell


Liverpool have dismissed claims that they have agreed a fee to sell Xabi Alonso to Real Madrid. The Spaniard missed the 1-1 draw with Thailand yesterday, and reports in Spain suggested he was left out to avoid picking up an injury which might jeopardise the move. But as Alonso trained with the squad in advance of their friendly against Singapore, a Liverpool spokesman insisted an ankle injury was the only reason for his absence.

"Xabi is with us in Singapore, and will train with the rest of the squad," said the spokesman. "He was injured ahead of the Thailand game, people can say what they like about that. There has been no deal agreed with anyone for his transfer."

The comments are unlikely to end the speculation over a move which Alonso is thought to favour. But Rafael Benítez is understood to be holding out for a minimum of £30m for the Spain international, and earlier this week the Liverpool manager refused to contemplate losing one of his leading players, saying "next week he will be here".

But Madrid's sporting director, Miguel Pardeza, still hopes to persuade Liverpool to part with and Liverpool's Spanish full-back Alvaro Arbeloa. With regards to Alonso, Pardeza said: "It's at a standstill. From day one, Liverpool have asked for more than Madrid are ready to pay and it's very difficult to understand. But I've not lost hope that things can be resolved."

Pardeza, who confirmed Madrid have been looking for an alternative to Alonso but with little success, admitted a lack of progress in their chase of defender Arbeloa.

"With Arbeloa there was an option which, at the moment, has come to nothing. Liverpool haven't had much intention of letting him go, even though he has one year left on his contract, and we are still in this situation," Pardeza told Spanish newspaper Publico.

"There is more than a month of the transfer market left and this could change. I'm not going to deny that we'd like to have Arbeloa."

And yet we're not jumping at the chance to flog him to Madrid.

Will wonders never cease.

 

[Wilko7]

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

[quote author=keniget link=topic=33578.msg910974#msg910974 date=1248360152]
[quote author=Wilko7 link=topic=33578.msg910966#msg910966 date=1248358128]
Grow up you silly clown. Would you not agree that a player who heralds from a country and culture that is closer to ours is more likely to be settled at Anfield and provide stability and continuity to key areas of the team as opposed to an Argentinian who wants to leave because his family can't settle in Liverpool and he is tired of England. Is this difficult for you to understand?
[/quote]

Yes, we should look for more players like Voronin. He and his family settled really well in Liverpool.
[/quote]

Deary me, this is hard work. Our most successful and long serving recent imports have been Molby, Henchoz, Hyypia, Hamann and I suppose Riise. Denmark, Switzerland, Finland, Germany and Norway are a little closer to home than South America and players from these countries seem to have stayed a little longer than Paletta, Gonzalez, Leto and, if it were down to him, Mascherano.

 

[Foxwold]

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

To be fair the ratio of european imports to south american imports we've had is heavily stacked to the europeans, and we have only really spent any money on Masa out of your list, (Fabio seems fairly settled by the way).

 

[Squiggles]

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

I think Wilko makes an alright point

But you can't dismiss the quality our Spanish players have bought us.

Xabi has given us a good 5 years, we wouldn't have won the CL without Garcia, and Reina and Torres look set to spend a significant amount of time here, whilst bringing unparalleled quality to our club.

 

[keniget]

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

[quote author=Wilko7 link=topic=33578.msg911050#msg911050 date=1248375809]
Deary me, this is hard work. Our most successful and long serving recent imports have been Molby, Henchoz, Hyypia, Hamann and I suppose Riise. Denmark, Switzerland, Finland, Germany and Norway are a little closer to home than South America and players from these countries seem to have stayed a little longer than Paletta, Gonzalez, Leto and, if it were down to him, Mascherano.
[/quote]

Deary me, what wonderful examples you've picked. Paletta, Gonzalez and Leto, eh?

Are you trying to argue that those players didn't stay that long because they're South Americans?

 

[keniget]

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

[quote author=Squiggles link=topic=33578.msg911053#msg911053 date=1248376228]
I think Wilko makes an alright point

But you can't dismiss the quality our Spanish players have bought us.

Xabi has given us a good 5 years, we wouldn't have won the CL without Garcia, and Reina and Torres look set to spend a significant amount of time here, whilst bringing unparalleled quality to our club.
[/quote]

Yup, so ignoring the fact that our best signings in recent years have not come from the list of preferred countries listed by Wilko, it's an 'alright point'.

Nicely summarized I think.

 

[Squiggles]

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

I was defending it on the basis that none of the German, Scandinavian, Dutch players ever seem to get homesick or want to return to their own country.

We've had no complaints from Babel, Kuyt, Hamann, Hyypia, Henchoz, Riise and co over the years - Voronin's more of an exception

While Garcia's family weren't happy, Arbeloa and Mascherano have been reported unsettled, and there must be part of Alonso who wants to return to Spain.

There's no 'rule' but I generally have more faith in players adapting to Merseyside when they come from a colder climate.

 

[flufferama]

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

In fairness, the Scandinavian/Dutch leagues never really set the world alight.

La Liga is now more desirable than it's been for a while and if Real Madrid/Barcelona come flirting it's completely understandable that a native would be interested.

 

[keniget]

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

[quote author=Squiggles link=topic=33578.msg911066#msg911066 date=1248377503]
I was defending it on the basis that none of the German, Scandinavian, Dutch players ever seem to get homesick or want to return to their own country.

We've had no complaints from Babel, Kuyt, Hamann, Hyypia, Henchoz, Riise and co over the years - Voronin's more of an exception

While Garcia's family weren't happy, Arbeloa and Mascherano have been reported unsettled, and there must be part of Alonso who wants to return to Spain.

There's no 'rule' but I generally have more faith in players adapting to Merseyside when they come from a colder climate.
[/quote]

I don't completely disagree with that, but I do think it's stupid to make a big point out of it.

There are so many quality players coming out of countries like Brazil, Spain, Argentina etc. that you have to make them a priority. In contrast, how many German players make it out of Bundlesliga? How many Scandanavians are there for us to target at any one time? Not very many.

There are lots of players from warmer climates who have settled very well in the North West and in England in general. You can look at countries like the Ukraine and Russia to see that they have loads of Brazilians playing there - why is it that their leagues aren't filled with Finnish and Norwegian players?