The incredible Xabi Alonso thread 2009.

[singlerider]

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

[quote author=koze link=topic=33578.msg914073#msg914073 date=1248854202]
[quote author=mark1975 link=topic=33578.msg914042#msg914042 date=1248851193]
[quote author=koze link=topic=33578.msg914039#msg914039 date=1248850205]
Arbeloa? Why?
[/quote]

"No one wants to join Madrid more than me"...

Hang on.. Madrid dumped him a few years back, then we came in for him after one good season in Spain at Depor and we've helped contribute towards re-igniting his career and him gaining International recognition.

So yeah, he's a cunt.
[/quote]
Don't be ridiculous.

He's not being disrespectful towards us. We're not REALLY trying to sign him up on a new contract either, and we already spent 17 million pounds on a brandnew right back who WILL play before him.

It's hardly cuntish, with all the above considered, that he would jump at the chance of playing for his boyhood club.
[/quote]

^^^

I really don't see where this bitterness is coming from, we're happy to let him go and he's being offered another chance at his old club, which will probably work out well for him with regards to his international place.

My only issue with what he said is that he shouldn't be running his mouth off about Xabi, other than that - what's the big deal?

 

[Delinquent]

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

[quote author=singlerider link=topic=33578.msg914094#msg914094 date=1248856175]
[quote author=koze link=topic=33578.msg914073#msg914073 date=1248854202]
[quote author=mark1975 link=topic=33578.msg914042#msg914042 date=1248851193]
[quote author=koze link=topic=33578.msg914039#msg914039 date=1248850205]
Arbeloa? Why?
[/quote]

"No one wants to join Madrid more than me"...

Hang on.. Madrid dumped him a few years back, then we came in for him after one good season in Spain at Depor and we've helped contribute towards re-igniting his career and him gaining International recognition.

So yeah, he's a cunt.
[/quote]
Don't be ridiculous.

He's not being disrespectful towards us. We're not REALLY trying to sign him up on a new contract either, and we already spent 17 million pounds on a brandnew right back who WILL play before him.

It's hardly cuntish, with all the above considered, that he would jump at the chance of playing for his boyhood club.
[/quote]

^^^

I really don't see where this bitterness is coming from, we're happy to let him go and he's being offered another chance at his old club, which will probably work out well for him with regards to his international place.

My only issue with what he said is that he shouldn't be running his mouth off about Xabi, other than that - what's the big deal?
[/quote]

I agree there's no need for the contempt towards him but if he thinks he'll get more football at Madrid than he would here then he's sadly mistaken.

 

[Delinquent]

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

[quote author=keniget link=topic=33578.msg914086#msg914086 date=1248855670]
I will be pretty disgusted if we sell him for less than 30M. I know he's not a galactico in the eyes of others, but he is to us. It's not on that we cave in on this one.
[/quote]

Yup. I've enjoyed the hardball stance we've been adopting this summer. I know Rafa places a great deal of emphasis on players wanting to play for the club but I really hope he sticks to his guns on this one.

 

[rubans]

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

[quote author=Mors link=topic=33578.msg914089#msg914089 date=1248855800]
30mill from Xabi/Arb, 5mill from Dross, 3mill from Leto, leftovers from Keane - Fucking hell, we should be minted. I think we should put a bid in for Messi.

Surely Rafa got given 20-30mill kitty by the Yanks, to which he had a big dip in for Johnson, but he'll have a shitload now if all these fuckers go.
[/quote]
Not sure exactly what Rafa got, it might all be put towards interest payments and a new phantom stadium design.

 

[mark1975]

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

[quote author=singlerider link=topic=33578.msg914094#msg914094 date=1248856175]
[quote author=koze link=topic=33578.msg914073#msg914073 date=1248854202]
[quote author=mark1975 link=topic=33578.msg914042#msg914042 date=1248851193]
[quote author=koze link=topic=33578.msg914039#msg914039 date=1248850205]
Arbeloa? Why?
[/quote]

"No one wants to join Madrid more than me"...

Hang on.. Madrid dumped him a few years back, then we came in for him after one good season in Spain at Depor and we've helped contribute towards re-igniting his career and him gaining International recognition.

So yeah, he's a cunt.
[/quote]
Don't be ridiculous.

He's not being disrespectful towards us. We're not REALLY trying to sign him up on a new contract either, and we already spent 17 million pounds on a brandnew right back who WILL play before him.

It's hardly cuntish, with all the above considered, that he would jump at the chance of playing for his boyhood club.
[/quote]

^^^

I really don't see where this bitterness is coming from, we're happy to let him go and he's being offered another chance at his old club, which will probably work out well for him with regards to his international place.

My only issue with what he said is that he shouldn't be running his mouth off about Xabi, other than that - what's the big deal?
[/quote]

Heh, I'm just a bit disappointed tis all, I like Arby but I think we've done alot for the lad.

 

[Buddha]

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

[quote author=rubans link=topic=33578.msg914099#msg914099 date=1248856899]
[quote author=Mors link=topic=33578.msg914089#msg914089 date=1248855800]
30mill from Xabi/Arb, 5mill from Dross, 3mill from Leto, leftovers from Keane - Fucking hell, we should be minted. I think we should put a bid in for Messi.

Surely Rafa got given 20-30mill kitty by the Yanks, to which he had a big dip in for Johnson, but he'll have a shitload now if all these fuckers go.
[/quote]
Not sure exactly what Rafa got, it might all be put towards interest payments and a new phantom stadium design.
[/quote]

Ha. I'd be hoping for Silva (to cover all 3 positions behind Torres), a back-up for Torres and a Xabi replacement.

But you're probably right.

 

[doctor_mac]

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

Rafa was spending the Leto + Keane money on Johnson. I'd say those who said Rafa wouldn't be able to do any more business unless there were further sales are right. There was no money left in the kitty. Let's just hope if Xabi goes that he gets the money to spend on replacements.

 

[Irish_Red]

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

Can't really see a problem with what Arbeloa said, it was in both parties interest for him to leave. Hopefully Johnson can get up to speed on our defensive game quickly and he won't be missed

The only good thing maybe to come out of the Alonso saga has Rafa talked himself out of the Real Madrid job for the next few years with his stance over Alonso ?

 

[Squiggles]

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

I don't think he's a cunt either. It's never nice to read about one of our own players saying they want to play elsewhere, but we've said before that respect is a two way street, and we've just spent £17M on replacing him despite having a pretty good season.

Although it may not seem it from those quotes, I'm sure others will surface where he pays tribute to Liverpool & Rafael Benitez.

 

[Hansern]

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

Purslow is going to do the negotiations, and he's looked very capable this far.
If they offer less than 30, Im guessing there will be a player coming the other way aswell. Just hope to God it isnt Heinze.

Im pretty fed up with the sensationalist wrighting in the media though. Everyday its finally, reluctantly, on his way, near the edge, close to signing. Its been the same headlines for 2 months.

 

[singlerider]

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

[quote author=mark1975 link=topic=33578.msg914100#msg914100 date=1248857081]
Heh, I'm just a bit disappointed tis all, I like Arby but I think we've done alot for the lad.
[/quote]

Yeah, I'm disappointed too, and I think if he stuck around then he probably would get games - but it's not like we're particularly making him feel wanted or anything.

We've done a lot for him, and in return he's done a fair bit for us - and now it seems both parties are fairly happy to leave it at that

 

[doctor_mac]

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

[quote author=Hansern link=topic=33578.msg914110#msg914110 date=1248858226]
Purslow is going to do the negotiations, and he's looked very capable this far.
If they offer less than 30, Im guessing there will be a player coming the other way aswell. Just hope to God it isnt Heinze.


[/quote]

Perhaps.

 

[Bradley]

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

I have the fear.

With Alonso, Dossena & Arbeloa all leaving we are short in numbers. Plus we need cover up front as well. We will be looking for 3 or 4 replacements and about £40 million to do it.

We can hope for one big name at £15-£20 million and then the other 2 or 3 players are going to be stop gap Pennant types.

It's a real disappointment and could cost us points early in the season while we adapt.

 

[reuque]

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

The only glimmer of hope I can see is this;

The last time this type of incident happened, Owen left and we went on to lift #5, so under any circumstances, we're still in with a chance for the season, with enough luck, we might just hit #19.

 

[mark1975]

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

[quote author=Bradleme link=topic=33578.msg914122#msg914122 date=1248859378]
We can hope for one big name at £15-£20 million and then the other 2 or 3 players are going to be stop gap Pennant types.
[/quote]

To be fair Arbeloa only cost a few million, so it can be done, cf Agger and Skrtel aswell. They don't have to be stop gaps for a nominal fee, we just have to be shrewd about it.

It is going to be difficult finding an attacker AND a midfielder though with not much money to go round. And we certainly have to be more clever than we were last Summer.

 

[Judge Jules]

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

Why the doom-mongering, folks? We finished last season playing the best football in the league. Xabi and Arbeloa certainly played their part in that but it was far from 100% down to the two of them. I have every confidence we'll carry on where we left off, with or without them.

 

[mark1975]

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

[quote author=Judge Jules link=topic=33578.msg914131#msg914131 date=1248860418]
Why the doom-mongering, folks? We finished last season playing the best football in the league. Xabi and Arbeloa certainly played their part in that but it was far from 100% down to the two of them. I have every confidence we'll carry on where we left off, with or without them.
[/quote]

It's just disheartening JJ. We only just finished short, so with a couple of additions there was hope that we might just do it this time. Taking away two first teamers means it's back to the drawing board, and last Summer's transfer window doesn't fill me with the assurance that we'll get it 100% right.

 

[Delinquent]

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

[quote author=Judge Jules link=topic=33578.msg914131#msg914131 date=1248860418]
Why the doom-mongering, folks? We finished last season playing the best football in the league. Xabi and Arbeloa certainly played their part in that but it was far from 100% down to the two of them. I have every confidence we'll carry on where we left off, with or without them.
[/quote]

I don't think anyone would argue that Arbeloa was integral to the way we play but the same could not be said of Xabi. If we lose him then it's a massive blow, and should not be underestimated. His replacement could very well hold the key to our title chances.

 

[Squiggles]

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

Disheartening sums up this thread nicely

But we're still better off than United, IMO, and Arbeloa's has already been replaced by a better player.

For £30-35M we should be able to find a top quality replacement for Xabi. It's a lot of cash to have in hand when a lot of clubs are concerned about their finances. This is one of those situations where you have to put faith in your manager and hope for the best.

 

[Bradley]

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

As Rafa has said in the past, I think after the second Champs League final against Milan, we need to move quickly when sercuring our transfer targets.

He did that to get Glem Johnson, I would guess that he blew his transfer kitty with that deal and that is why he hasn't bought since, he will need to do the same again once the 2 amigo's and Dossena go.

 

[gkmacca]

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

[quote author=Bradleme link=topic=33578.msg914137#msg914137 date=1248861682]
As Rafa has said in the past, I think after the second Champs League final against Milan, we need to move quickly when sercuring our transfer targets.

He did that to get Glem Johnson, I would guess that he blew his transfer kitty with that deal and that is why he hasn't bought since, he will need to do the same again once the 2 amigo's and Dossena go.
[/quote]

I'm not so sure, actually. I think what we're seeing generally this summer is a whole network of deals being held up as clubs wait for other ones to be cleared. I think once the Alonso deal goes through there'll suddenly be loads of transfers happening. The economic climate has affected the normal 'buy now pay later' attitude.

 

[LadyRed]

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

Based on today's reports, I think he's going.

I don't know anything about this Aquilani fella, but he looks a bit like Harry Kewell in the picture that's been posted on this thread.

 

[Judge Jules]

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

Unfortunately his injury record has its similarities too. Fingers crossed (or should I say that in the circs?).

 

[Mors]

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

I hope Xabi puts in a transfer request - that'll save us another couple of mill if he is going.

We're gonna need a spare LB, spare RB, someone to replace Xabi, a forward. Rafa's gonna be busy.

 

[LadyRed]

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

Haha, funny article!

Alberto Aquilani has been on the sidelines recently because of injury (when is he not injured?) and has been unable to contribute to the Roma revival. But it seems he has kept himself occupied at home by creating his own Facebook account. Facebook, which is immensely popular in North America, has now become immensely popular in Europe, and Italians are starting to catch on to the social networking trend (even professional soccer players). In fact, I guarantee you that if you do a quick Facebook search for some Italian soccer players, their Facebook profile will come up. (You can easily tell if it’s real by the profile picture, as the fake ones usually just put a picture of the player in action). If you have a Facebook account, I’ve found Aquilani’s profile here (make sure your logged in), of course you can’t see it because you have to be his friend, but if you click on the “View Friends†link on the right you can tell it’s legit because by scrolling through his friends, you’ll find famous names (like Daniele De Rossi and Mirko Vucinic) but also names that should be familiar to Roma fans (like youth player Simone Palermo, striker Stefano Okaka Chuka, and former Roma youth player Loris Lorini). So how is he exactly causing trouble? Find out after the jump.


Right now, Aquilani’s love interest is 20 year old actress Michela Quattrociocche (she is on his list of friends if you go to the Facebook link I told you about above), who recently starred in the film “Scusa ma ti chiamo amore“. Apparently when Aquilani registered for Facebook, he set his relationship status as “singleâ€. This did not go down too well with Michela, who wrote on his wall “E no, caro Alberto, tu non sei single, ma strafidanzato†(No, my dear Alberto, you aren’t single, you are very much in a relationship with me). Well I guess Aquilani had some explaining to do later on…

Kinda puts a spanner in the gay theories though.

 

[the_khl]

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

Don't now where to post this so I reckon I'll use this dung pile of a thread for some Alonso-related hopefully rubbish rumours;

According to Christian Poulsen's agent, the defensive midfielder at Juventus you know, we're apparently still in the race for his signature.

Alonso out.
Poulsen in.
Equals.
Poob.

 

[Insignificance]

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

[quote author=the_khl link=topic=33578.msg914161#msg914161 date=1248864022]
Don't now where to post this so I reckon I'll use this dung pile of a thread for some Alonso-related hopefully rubbish rumours;

According to Christian Poulsen's agent, the defensive midfielder at Juventus you know, we're apparently still in the race for his signature.

Alonso out.
Poulsen in.
Equals.
Poob.
[/quote]

Poulsen is the player Juventus regret they signed when they couldnt agree a fee for Alonso last summer. Nowhere near good enough. his agent his hyping him up to the mights of Barca and Fulham as well!!!

 

[Hansern]

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

Do we really need a replacement for Arby? Thats Johnson. If he gets injured, we have Degen and Darby.
If Dossena leaves we have Insua and Aurelio, even Agger. Worst case scenario Buchtmann and Mavinga. Young yes, but Id rather give them a chance then buy some old back up has been.
A direct replacement for Alonso and a new attacking player/striker, would make our squad better than last year.

The big question is how the replacement for Xabi will adapt.

Johnson is a huge improvent on Arby imho, we've signed the best rb in the league.

 

[Mystic]

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

Javi Martinez and David Silva, i'd be happy then.

I'd prefer Xabi Alonso and David Silva though, beggers can't be choosers though.

 

[Judge Jules]

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

[quote author=Hansern link=topic=33578.msg914196#msg914196 date=1248868325]
Do we really need a replacement for Arby? Thats Johnson. If he gets injured, we have Degen and Darby.
If Dossena leaves we have Insua and Aurelio, even Agger. Worst case scenario Buchtmann and Mavinga. Young yes, but Id rather give them a chance then buy some old back up has been.
A direct replacement for Alonso and a new attacking player/striker, would make our squad better than last year.

The big question is how the replacement for Xabi will adapt.

Johnson is a huge improvent on Arby imho, we've signed the best rb in the league.
[/quote]

I disagree with most of this. Borussia's supporters were delighted to get rid of Degen, not even all of Darby's fans think he's ready, same for Insua, Aurelio's injury record makes him a risk, Agger's needed in the middle now Sami's left, and neither Buchtmann nor Mavinga is anywhere near ready for the first team. We could be on thin ice at fullback without Arbeloa, especially on the right, where Johnson (who I'm happy with but who isn't as good defensively as Arbeloa, and who I wouldn't rank ahead of Boswinga) doesn't seem to me to have reliable cover yet. It may turn out that we had to do the Arbeloa deal now, but let's not pretend there aren't risks attached.