Liverpool FC Forum

by **Number 9** » Thu May 15, 2008 9:33 am

s@int wrote:Interesting snippet at the end of your article Reg. Looks like Sammy is going to come back as Assistant Manager rather than just as a coach. I am not as happy about this as most, but I hope he proves me wrong and does a great job.

It cant really be a bad thing mate.
If anything he may influence Rafa positively,maybe he'll talk Rafa out of rotating the team so much so early on in the season!

Paco Ayesteran had worked with Rafa so long,they probably thought the same way ffs!
Sammy Lee will be a good thing,he will bring new ideas and is LFC to the bone.He knows how the club works as well.I can only see good things coming out of it!

by **Reg** » Thu May 15, 2008 12:59 pm

s@int wrote:Interesting snippet at the end of your article Reg. Looks like Sammy is going to come back as Assistant Manager rather than just as a coach. I am not as happy about this as most, but I hope he proves me wrong and does a great job.

I dont know the man S@int so its just gut feeling, but I´m not sure he´s sophisticated enough.

There must be better candidates and I´m pretty sure many would see it as a chance of a lifetime to be Rafa´s assistant so dont understand why we´re getting someone from the middle drawer as opposed from the top.

by **Sabre** » Thu May 15, 2008 7:49 pm

bigmick wrote:I still think 19 mill is way too good to turn down though.

About this, I'd ask Rafa/Parry or whoever makes the negotiations to be a good business man.

19 M is good for you because you had the prejudice that low teens could be acceptable. So high teens might seem a very good offer indeed.

But if we're to sell Alonso it must be a good business. 11M was the base price paid to Real Sociedad. In the following years for reaching CL finals and reaching a certain amount of games, the real price went to 14 M with those variables.

So, since we're not talking exactly about a player that has failed in England (even below his par is better than many), low teens would be a bad business, and 19 M is the very minimum you could expect for a Liverpool player, Spanish international.

Then, and I think this works the same here and in China, if you have a player that is valued 19M and is wanted by one team, it's ok, you can get the money if you need it. But if you see you have calls from Madrid, Barcelona and Milan, you have to ask Parry to do his business stuff and get extra money for the midfielder, make the other teams enter a bid fight.

Also, you have an Euro with lot of cameras and media focus this summer, and players always get more valuable in this competitions ( Lahm, Scheweinsteiger (sp?), and Mertesacker for instance suddenly became more valuable after a good summer compo). So I wouldn't be in a hurry, and if we have to sell Alonso, and I hope we don't, at least I expect a good business.

So in a nutshell,

Low teens= bad business
19 M quid = Sell him if it's a must to get money from transfer.

by **NANNY RED** » Thu May 15, 2008 7:55 pm

If Xabi wants to leave himself then fair enough but id be looking at 20 million plus. start a :censored:

bidding war

IF the lad is willing to stay and it looks like he wants to to let him fight for his place. Quality is quality and thats what he is

by **account deleted by request** » Sun May 18, 2008 3:32 pm

Good article about Alonso - not seen it posted anywhere ?

Alonso exclusive

Xabi Alonso is much like his passes: neat, to the point and on occasion cutting.

The well groomed Spaniard casts an affable glow over proceedings in the bar of the Liverpool hotel where we are to convene our interview, contentedly signing national team shirts that have been hastily purchased from a local JJB store.

One looks as though it may have lay dormant in a bargain bin for the past 12 months, the striking red of Spain sun-damaged into a more lethargic maroon, but there is nothing cheap about Alonso as I spot a chunky Rolex as we shake hands.

It would be wrong though to cast Alonso's choice of wristwear as being indicative of the ostentatious pursuits of so many young Premier League footballers, armed as they are with the type of wages that mean the credit crunch doesn't bite quite so hard.

Normally in these type of situations, we're here courtesy of EA Sports' new UEFA Euro 2008 game, footballers have their mouths wired by a swarm of agents, advisors and valets, who surround the cash cow to ensure the journalist can milk only insipid sound bites. But Alonso, bright and articulate, clearly knows his own mind and ushers me to a sofa in the corner as we conduct our discourse as God intended - one-on-one.

A season that has seen Liverpool conclude the campaign in fourth place is one that will sate the appetite of few Anfield regulars and Alonso, who has tasted European but not domestic league glory since joining the club in 2004, accepts it has been another term of underachievement on Merseyside.

Difficult season

"Each season with Liverpool you are expected to be in the fight for the title, even if you don't win it, and in the past few years this is something we've been unable to achieve," he lamented to skysports.com.

"It has been a difficult season personally because of the foot injury I suffered. It was a major setback in the middle of the season but right now I feel I am in a good moment. Hopefully that will continue into Euro 2008."

It is expected that Rafa Benitez will invest heavily again in the summer as he attempts to reshape a squad that has only hinted at having anything like the staying power to mount a sustained title charge.

Despite having long been established as an Anfield favourite Alonso's own future has occupied the back pages back in Spain since the end of the season and when quizzed on mooted interest from Real Madrid, the 26-year-old chooses not to straight bat my enquiry but rather smash it out of the ground for six.

"There has been no movement from Real Madrid, whether official or otherwise. At the moment I am with Liverpool, I have a contract with Liverpool and I want to be at Liverpool.

"The people who write these things have clearly not done very rigorous research," he adds, with an arched eyebrow.

I stifle a desire to protest that not all journalists treat rumour as gospel, just most of us, as he's off again to suggest that contrary to being disgruntled at the potential arrival of new signings, he is an advocate of substantial squad strengthening.

Investment needed

Aware that Manchester United, Chelsea and to a certain extent Arsenal have pulled further clear of his side this season, Alonso accepts the gap will only widen further if Liverpool's board fail to back Benitez unequivocally in the pre-season.

"I am pretty sure we'll have to improve our squad. I am sure of that, knowing the gap that we already have. It is good news that we have found a striker like Fernando (Torres) to score so many goals.

"But he needs to be surrounded by good players also. Next season we need to be consistent, not to make mistakes and drop stupid points as we fight for the title.

"I think in Europe we know we can beat anyone. We have beaten Inter Milan, Barcelona, Chelsea, Milan - all great games. In the Premier League you have to be more focused, more consistent. And I think we lack that consistency to go for the title."

Disappointingly for Liverpool supporters perhaps the major story to come out of the club this season is the Dynasty-style battles of the boardroom, with co-owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks sparring like a pair of Melwood fishwives. Both have hung their dirty washing in public on too frequent occasion, with the future of Benitez a subplot not welcomed on the terraces.

Alonso rejects the idea that the boardroom wrangles unduly unsettled the dressing room but for the sake of the club's supporters, he believes an accord needs to be struck in the summer.

Accord sought

"I don't think it affects us too much but of course the players will be pleased when the situation is sorted out," he concludes.

"It (the fallout) happened between the board and the owners, it will be those people that need to find the right solution. Liverpool is supported by so many fans and these people need to be respected."

For a player who would not be short of a sycophantic entourage should he so desire, the black Porsche parked outside the hotel I'd imagine attracts friends, respect seems to be a key characteristic of his make-up. And having met the guy, he both radiates and receives it in ample measures.

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by **Mikester** » Sun May 18, 2008 3:38 pm

I heard Arsenal were showing interest at one stage

by **NANNY RED** » Sun May 18, 2008 4:50 pm

s@int wrote:"It (the fallout) happened between the board and the owners, it will be those people that need to find the right solution. Liverpool is supported by so many fans and these people need to be respected."

--------------

The best bit of the article for me Saint.

Xabi hits the nail on the head when he says the fans need to be respected i think hes gettin a little dig in there at the other two.

Hes a nice read for you Sabre , very respectable man Xabis dad

DADS AND LADS: PERIKO AND XABI ALONSO
UEFA Champions Magazine 18 May 2008

Concluding our two-part 'Dads and Lads' series, Guillem Balague speaks to Xabi Alonso and his father Periko about their careers, the modern game and about being one of the most famous footballing families in Spain.
Periko Alonso was a combative midfielder who played for Barcelona alongside Maradona and Bernd Schuster and won La Liga there in 1985.

But at home in the Basque country, he is revered for his role in the great Real Sociedad side that won back-to-back titles in 1981 and 1982. He played 20 times for Spain and finished his playing career at Sabadell before moving into coaching. In 2000 he took over at Sociedad, where his son Xabi had progressed through the youth ranks.

He resigned from the club and management after just ten games. Today he helps run the family iron business and shuns publicity. Xabi says it is "extraordinary" that his dad took the time to speak to Champions.

When your sons said: "Dad, I want to be a footballer," did it make you happy?

That's not really your choice. They started when they were very young. That's a beautiful period. As time wears on, they progress. We're lucky that both Mikel and Xabi have grown up to be professional players.

Did having a Real Sociedad legend as his father help or impede Xabi?

You could argue that it harmed his chances, but in football you just have to put the work in every matchday. A player has to demonstrate his worth, regardless of name.

Has the game changed since your day?

These days it has a lot more influence, with huge sums of money moving around. Tactics and preparation have changed, but the actual playing is the same.

Best memory from your playing days?

I had the good fortune to start at Real at an incredible time for the club; it was great. The three seasons at Barcelona are a source of great pride, and the three years at Sabadell after that were extraordinary. We were in the second division, got promoted and then they were two unforgettable years.

Those were Sociedad's best years...

I don't know if they will be bettered, but it was a good period. We had a good crop of players… Arconada, Zamora, Satrústegui, Ufarte. Things went well, and we were lucky with injuries. Back then it was easier to keep players, so our coach José Luis Orbegozo could keep the team together.

Before you signed for Barça did you have offers to play abroad?

It was more difficult back then. Globalisation has had an effect now. It gives players a much wider experience of life, which is good for everyone.

Do you talk to your son about your experiences as a player?

Yes, but the best way to understand it is to watch videos from the time. We've done that many times. The feeling you get playing, winning titles, can be hard to express in words. You have to be there and live through it, but for fans of Real they are memories you'll never erase.

And your European Cup memories?

I only played one match – the return leg against CSKA Sofia, when Bakero got a bad knee injury and we were knocked out. But there is a UEFA Cup tie that sticks in the memory, against Inter. It was 0-0 at half-time in the first leg, away, but we ended up losing 3-0. In the return leg it was 2-0 and we were so close to drawing. It was a tense game; for me, one of the most exciting ever played at Atocha.

Were you nervous before big games?

You notice when games have that edge. That's when great players step up. Champions League games have that edge to them, a special charm.

How do you feel when you watch Xabi play in the Champions League?

The year they won in Istanbul… the semi-final against Chelsea was impressive because of the immense atmosphere at Anfield, and then of course the final. Unbelievable. I would love to have experienced that as a player.

What does he say about these games?

It is such a great story for Xabi to be able to tell, winning the biggest title you can at club level. I'm not sure how old he was, only 23 or 24, but it was a great experience for him.

Do you often watch Xabi at Anfield?

Not enough; we're always looking for matches we can go to. The atmosphere is electric. I will never forget the song they sing at the beginning of the match. It is stunning. The crowd are so respectful. In Athens, the Liverpool supporters waited to applaud Milan as they did a lap of honour. Only after that did they leave to go home. They are good people.

What do you think about the strength of the English Premier League?

Look at the top four teams: there aren't all that many English players in there, but that's where the money is, which attracts the best players. There are other good clubs too – Everton, Portsmouth, Manchester City or Blackburn – although they all need to step up to the next level.

What are your memories of when Xabi started playing?

As I said before, when your son tells you he wants to play football there's not much you can do. The kid starts on the beach, then in school, kids' competitions, and moves through the ranks. I remember his time at Sanse; his time at Eibar was really good for him. You try to give advice, but you must be cautious and responsible. He enjoyed some great times at Real as well, coming second in the league, but in football you have to take each day as it comes.

What advice did you give him?

Above all to be professional. To train as hard as possible every day and to keep your hunger for winning. This is really important. Xabi has that hunger.

So Xabi, what do you remember about your dad as a player?

Mikel and I were privileged enough to go training with my dad when he was at Sabadell. They'd train in one goal on Saturday mornings and we'd be kicking balls at the other end. I was five or six and soon realised this was not normal; other kids couldn't do that. As we got older, I enjoyed seeing him pass the ball, and we practised passing a lot. I guess that's where we learned to be midfielders. Our games were about passing the ball, not so much kicking it at the goal. We played to hit the bar or stones, games that strengthened our precision. When we got older he realised we enjoyed football, but he was never on top of us telling us what to do. I never felt pressure from him.

A favourite moment?

One of his was when he played for Barcelona against Red Star, and Maradona lobbed the goalie. Nobody expected it. It's hard to do things that fellow professionals don't expect.

What advice did he give you?

Keep my feet on the ground. When things go well you're not as good as people say; and when they don't, you're not as bad as people suggest. The worst thing that can happen to a kid is to create false expectations. My dad preferred to give me advice about school rather than about football. We never had a "Dad, I'm going to be a footballer" conversation, you could see it coming bit by bit. Real came in for my brother and I; we started with the B-side then everything becomes more serious. I made my debut with Real and there was no way back. Time dictates your future.

And when you moved to Liverpool?

I remember the first match dad came to at Anfield, the Monaco game [in 2004]. He met people at the club, saw the attitude, atmosphere and passion and said: "Son, you have made a great choice, you are going to enjoy your football."

Being an Alonso, has that helped you?

I never felt that having a famous dad has gone against me. At first, people who didn't know us would say it helped me, I was getting to places because of him. But after a while you are able to shut people up and make them accept that I've got more than a surname taking me forward.

by **stmichael** » Wed May 21, 2008 12:52 pm

If Alonso goes then our midfield for the start of the season would be Gerrard and Plessis and both Lucas and Mascherano are away on International duty.

by **Dundalk** » Wed May 21, 2008 12:54 pm

stmichael wrote:If Alonso goes then our midfield for the start of the season would be Gerrard and Plessis and both Lucas and Mascherano are away on International duty.

Get the cheque book out Rafa

by **Torres25** » Wed May 21, 2008 1:53 pm

Wait a minute

who offered 19 mill 4 Xabi............................sold, sold, sold

love xabi but 4 that money & the fact we have Lucas & Plessis 2 fill the void id take it combine it the sale of Crouch & buy.............

SERGIO AGUERO yep :blues:

by **tubby** » Wed May 21, 2008 1:55 pm

Are clubs not pushing for more subs for next season? It will become even more important then to have strength in depth. Something we are getting closer to having but if Alonso leaves then it will be a step back.

by **HacksawJimDuggin** » Wed May 21, 2008 2:13 pm

bavlondon wrote:Are clubs not pushing for more subs for next season? It will become even more important then to have strength in depth. Something we are getting closer to having but if Alonso leaves then it will be a step back.

Clubs are pushing for 7 subs next year. I think that if this does happen there'll be a caveat thrown in about who can be on the bench (i.e. %age U23 or U21...)

by **Effes** » Wed May 21, 2008 2:21 pm

The aim is to have a good enough team for next season to challenge for the title.

If we get Barry, we'll have Lucas, Mash and Gerrard also.

If we sold Xabi we could get a top quality forward/winger with the money which is a higher priority
in my opinion.
He's a great player - but I feel we need the dough much more.

Sell.

by **TheBestia11** » Wed May 21, 2008 2:42 pm

Hi.I'm a juventus supporter.I want to know your opinion of Alonso trasfer in Italy,Juventus of Turin.
Thank you for possible answers.[I]

by **Ciggy** » Wed May 21, 2008 2:52 pm

Oh FFS I'll be gutted if he leaves :down:

Liverpool's Xabi Alonso close to Juventus move

By Stefano Blin

Last Updated: 11:24am BST 21/05/2008

Xabi Alonso, the Liverpool midfielder, is set to sign for Juventus next week.

The Gazzetta dello Sport reported that Juventus director Jean-Claude Blanc met with Rafael Benitez yesterday and that the two clubs have agreed in principal to the transfer.

Juventus have reportedly offered 12 million pounds for the Spain international - four million pounds below Liverpool's valuation - but it is believed a deal will soon be concluded, with Alonso keen to play in Italy.

Alonso joined Liverpool from Real Socieded in 2004 and became a key figure for Benitez in midfield alongisde Steven Gerrard.

The 26-year-old Spaniard scored the goal which drew Liverpool level at 3-3 against AC Milan in the 2005 Champions League final and took the game into extra-time.

Liverpool won the match on penalties to cap an excellent first year in the Premier league for the Spaniard. He has made more than 150 appearances for Liverpool and represented his country 41 times.

Benitez has already been active in the transfer market having signed defender Philipp Degan from Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday.

The Liverpool manager is also believed to be chasing Ulrich Rame, Bordeaux's France international goalkeeper, and Italian left-back Andrea Dossena from Udinese.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport....121.xml

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