Boocity wrote:Banana, although I agree with some of your points regarding H&G and lack of investment, you have to remember that the loss of Alonso rests firmly in Rafas court. He tried to sell Alonso to get Barry (god knows why) and he allowed the relationship between him and Alonso to deteriorate to such an extent he wanted to leave.
So yes G&H have been bad for the club but Rafa has to take responsiblity for Alonso leaving.
That was, only, I say again, only the case because the CL changed. You need 8 british players to play the tournament. Rafa was not given any cash. Ha had tried to buy british before with limited success (Bellamy, Crouch, Pennant...) but he had to sell both plus Garcia to finance Torres.
Getting british ain't that easy. He found Barry but he did not have money to buy Barry. He also did not have many players with a Barry kind of value other than Gerrard or Alonso. Selling Gerrard would make no sense as he had to get more british talent. He was in my opinion forced to sell Alonso, against his will. Remember Alonso was Rafa's first purchase, and a vital part of the team.
Rafa's british talent hunt has been a nightmare. He tried with Keane, and failed. And this year it was Johnson. Purchased way over his value just trying to get a team capable of competing in Europe with enough british players (getting CL funds for the owners).
I don't and I will never believe for a second that Rafa would have done what he has without being tied on both hands and feet by the owners.
we would be damn sight better than we are this season. Alonso or Lucas? no brainer
