Alonso thinks a lot of our rafa - And he picked us over madrid.........
Posted: Wed Aug 18, 2004 10:58 amAccording to Sky Sports, Liverpool target Xabi Alonso has revealed that Rafa Benitez has played a big part in persuading him to move to England and sign for the reds of Liverpool.
Alonso is set to seal a move to Anfield later this week following his friendly appearence for Spain, after his club Real Sociedad agreed a deal with Liverpool.
The Spanish international is excited at the prospect of working alongside Rafael Benitez and believes he can help Liverpool become serious challengers for the title this season.
"Not only is Benitez a great coach, he is a master of psychology. He can make the players become friends and he can help them perform to a higher level," said Alonso.
"This is how he enabled Valencia to triumph in La Liga.
"I believe under Benitez our work will be excellent. I am convinced that this season The Reds can be considered to win the championship."
The 22-year-old admitted he snubbed Real Madrid to move to Liverpool and that it is a dream come true for him to play for The Reds.
"Liverpool are one of those clubs that any player always dreams about playing for.
"It is sad that I will not be in the same team as Michael Owen but sometimes things change in life and the future is still positive.
"When it came down to a choice between Madrid and Liverpool I chose Liverpool.
"They are the club that showed the biggest interest in me."
So maybe Michael Owen got it wrong? Possibly not but it is encouraging to hear a player held in such high regard in his native country speak so highly of both my beloved club and our new gaffer.
I am ****** my pants to see this guy line up alongside Stevie G, H and Nunez in our new look midfield. Roll on saturday.....
Alonso is set to seal a move to Anfield later this week following his friendly appearence for Spain, after his club Real Sociedad agreed a deal with Liverpool.
The Spanish international is excited at the prospect of working alongside Rafael Benitez and believes he can help Liverpool become serious challengers for the title this season.
"Not only is Benitez a great coach, he is a master of psychology. He can make the players become friends and he can help them perform to a higher level," said Alonso.
"This is how he enabled Valencia to triumph in La Liga.
"I believe under Benitez our work will be excellent. I am convinced that this season The Reds can be considered to win the championship."
The 22-year-old admitted he snubbed Real Madrid to move to Liverpool and that it is a dream come true for him to play for The Reds.
"Liverpool are one of those clubs that any player always dreams about playing for.
"It is sad that I will not be in the same team as Michael Owen but sometimes things change in life and the future is still positive.
"When it came down to a choice between Madrid and Liverpool I chose Liverpool.
"They are the club that showed the biggest interest in me."
So maybe Michael Owen got it wrong? Possibly not but it is encouraging to hear a player held in such high regard in his native country speak so highly of both my beloved club and our new gaffer.
I am ****** my pants to see this guy line up alongside Stevie G, H and Nunez in our new look midfield. Roll on saturday.....
