Year 2004 , Xabi arrived Liverpool, no one knows him that time but Rafa did. He’s from Real Sociedad, I laughed about his arrival because I was thinking about Fernando Alonso(F1 Driver) suddenly play football. Seriously, I was worried about wasn’t Xabi a good signing for Liverpool? At last, yep he was a very good signing, I am not sure about how much did Rafa used to buy him. But now, he worth 30mil pounds and he was sold to Real Madrid.
I love his playing style, a bit slow but he makes some damage passes, sometimes scored too. Everyone calls him THE PASS MASTER. But in year 2009 summer. He suddenly urged to leave Liverpool. Damn, I remember he said that he wanted to stay in Liverpool for life in year 2007 when he signed a new contract with Liverpool. He didn’t keep it as a promise and he’s gone. Liverpool fans should be very sad and actually, including me. But I was not sad about he left us. I am sad about his attitude, he had said that he wanted to stay in Liverpool for LIFE. But 2 years later he wanted to leave us. When he was in Liverpool, I thought he’s a top man on the pitch and also off the pitch. But I can’t believe that he wanted to leave us. Shit, how can you just ignore your promise? Now, he’s a LIAR for me. So, Xabi’s fans, please forgive me about this.
Last week, he told the media about he wanted to leave Liverpool it’s because of Rafa wanted to sign Barry. But, for me, he was wrong, 4-2-3-1 is the formation that Rafa always like to use it. You think which position is more suitable for Xabi? The answer is the DEFENSIVE MIDFIELDER. He was a good partner of Mascherano in DFM. They defence together, sometimes attack together. If Rafa really signed Barry, Barry will play as ATTACKING MIDFEILDER alongside Gerrard and Kuyt. I hope I am right.
Now, we got Aquilani. Rafa got him on July but he was still injured on that time. So every Liverpool fans including me are not really trust Aquilani when he plays. I saw him played for Roma, he has the dribbling skills, good in shotting, ball control, free kicks, but not defence. So, this season, Liverpool cant perform well, not because of the leaving of Xabi. Because Aquilani is not to replace Xabi, he’s not the defensive player, he is more in attacking style. One of the reasons that Rafa signed Aquilani is Rafa needs something new in Liverpool’s attacking tactics. It’s been already 2 seasons that Rafa used Gerrard and Torres to take the attacking jobs. Teams like Man Utd, Chelsea will start to put more defence on these two key players of us. So, example, Liverpool 1-3 Chelsea, Torres and Gerrard were very quiet in that match. Essien was man marking Gerrard, Terry and Alex were trying to shut Torres down after Torres scored the 1st goal. So, Rafa hopes to bring more attacking style for the team. Actually, Rafa didn’t aspect Xabi will leave the team, I think Rafa already reckon Aquilani long time ago since he failed to sign Barry as we know, Aquilani was injured too. As a logical manager, Rafa will not find an injured player to play as replacement of Xabi, so, Lucas is the answer.
Liverpool vs Spurs. Aquilani played very well right? As we know he was not in his best yet, but it was enough to give the Spurs some headache right? So I am very confidence the real Aquilani will come soon, and the new attacking tactics of Liverpool will be work very soon. Let’s forget about Xabi Alonso, look forward, Lucas needs some time, he’s still young, experience will be the key for him. And soon, Lucas can be more confidence or maybe (just maybe) he can replace Xabi!!! Who knows? Because actually he’s not that bad at all. I trust in Rafa. Aquilani will be the good signing as we saw he’s improving in every match. So far, his best performance was against Spurs, let’s see what will happen on him next. We know, he told the media that he will prove that he worth 20mil pounds. Time to forget about Alonso now. Bye Alonso and I can’t see you really success in Real Madrid or maybe you are regret about this now. But I respect this ex-Liverpool player. Anyway, good luck to Alonso. C’mon Aquilani!!!
so whats the point of this, that you dont miss him?
maybe you dont but team does,and cuz of that we have this “perfect storm” now.
wow u really dont have a clue do u, he left because the summer before rafa had made him feel unwanted by trying to sell him inorder to get gareth barry. but u are right about aqualani soon going to show his true quality after all he filled gerrards role nicely. so ive got one question for you if u played at a club and the manager tried to sell u because he wanted what believed a better version wouldnt u be pissed an want to leave?
Well Kelvin, I have a feeling you are amongst the 1% of Liverpool that doesn’t miss the midfield virtuoso! I never believe that one/two players may effect a team with quality, but it does not mean that a player with that talent is not missed. Liverpool will turn back to winning ways, but as far as I am concerned, I still wish the spaniard was orchestrating our midfield!
Get your bloody fact right first.
In summer 2008, Rafa was ready to make a change. 4-4-2 was the new plan, with Keane to play alongside Torres, and Barry as a left midfielder (google Rafa’s interview with the Times/ tony evans)
So, who’s going to feel the central midfield position? That’s right, Gerrard and Mascherano. And that’s why in that summer Rafa is READY to let Alonso go to fund Barry. Alonso know this, Rafa know this. They have a conversation regarding this matter.
Now, I support Rafa wholeheartedly and don’t mind in his decission changing the formation. It’s for the best.
But I’m sick of people turning his back on every ex-Liverpool servant who says the slightest critics, or in Alonso’s case make a decission. Try to fill in Alonso’s shoes for a while. What will you do if your boss says he is ready to let you go? nobody is wrong in this case. Rafa needs a plan as a manager, Alonso also needs a plan for his career.
And last thing, I believe Aquilani will be a great player for us. I believe Rafa will makes us great again. But it doesn’t mean we have to belittle a great servant who help us won Cups. Move on will you.
ooh, come on.
“…he had said that he wanted to stay in Liverpool for LIFE. But 2 years later he wanted to leave us….Now, he’s a LIAR for me.”
he left because of Rafa, who wanted to sold him so much in summer 2008. Screw Rafa, he didn’t get Barry and he pissed off Xabi. Whole this situation was full of disrespect to Xabi. thats clear.
you can write as much as you want. but lets be honest. whose falt it is, that after 5,5 years with Rafa we only have 2 players “to take attacking jobs”?
C’mon guys, if you love your club. Just fight for your place. Who doesn’t know Alonso plays well for Liverpool? I know too. Xabi knows he played very well to, if he’s full of confidence, just fight on. Let’s see what happen next. But he’s not going to fight because everyone wants to go Real Madrid. He has more money, more future in Champions League, he can be the teammate of Ronaldo, Kaka. I am a player too. So I got the feeling that the team don’t needs me. But I love my team, no choice, just my opinion, I wants to fight my place back so i did. I won.
My nose. It bleeds. What happened to ENGLISH?
dude, Gerrard love Liverpool. He handed a transfer request. Ian Rush and Kevin Keegan love Liverpool. They leaves us too at the height of their career. Mcmanaman love Liverpool. He went to Madrid for free.Torres love Liverpool, if we didn’t reach anything in 2 years, I honestly believe he will leave us.
This kind of thing just happens. Some went for money, some for their family, some feel insecure. In alonso’s case all three of them. He was given a chance where he will be involved in an interesting project in madrid, he can raise his child in spain, gets a salary rise, and feel wanted by the manager.
It just happen. Let it go.
I miss Xabi
What football team would not miss Xabi Alonso? For me he will ALWAYS be a LFC legend.
I miss him!
Both the article posted and it’s comments makes very good reading and I agree with jack bromilow, Xabi was pretty much forced out of the team. As mentioned Xabi was going to be used to fund the Barry transfer.. Making his worthless to the team in Rafa’s eyes, All Rafa seen Xabi as was an assistance in getting Barry to the Kop.. Did it work? NO!! So Rafa has now lost one of the most effective players in Liverpools history, didn’t get Barry and bought an injured player to replace him!
That to me makes as much sense as buying ‘poor’ Robbie Keane for 20M and selling him for 16M 6 months later…
Liverpool is a football club (obviously) but it is also a business.. and that to me was the worst example of business I have ever seen. Keane was not given a full chance to shine, even thought I dont rate him as a player.. Like Babel, he was simply used as a bench warmer and was used for the final 10 or so minutes… How can any player in the world make a mark with only 15 mins remaining. I can think of only 1 – ole gunnar solskjaer –
Rafa has had almost 6 years to make his mark on the footballing world.. Given pretty much unlimited funds (ALMOST) and has totalled almost 100 transfers.. If he cannot have one of the best teams in England after all that backing… He aint gonna get it…
Its time to thank Rafa for his hard work – I do not doubt he gave his heart to the club – and move on for a new manager.
One more comment, All this talk about Rafa getting 20M if he is fired… I SINCERELY hope Liverpool were not so stupid to put such a clause in his contract, and I am sure they have written in it that if he finished outside the top 4 he is GONE… which MAY happen….
thanks for taking the time to read my views…. YNWA
POPPA
Ya me too Mr Zammit.
I miss XABI!!!
I had a jersey printed Xabi Naeemso on!
One of the best playmakers around, and of course we are all trying to move on, but no one could say that they dont miss him,
that would be a crude lie :D
dont tell me you dont miss the 70yards goal? ;)
yeah you do!
YNWA
Liverpool misses Xabi…we need to move on though but who gave Mr. Guest1892 the information that Gerrard has handed a transfer request…Ya its true may be the rest of what he says..but that information made me laugh..hahahaha…did he listen to Gerrard refuting the rumours???
And Mr.Kelvin you write FUNNY english… at least write it simple..
Poor writing and a even poorer argument!
Kelvin, any team in the world would have xabi alonso in their starting 11. For me he was our most skillfull player and has been sorely missed this season. We have been deeply exposed since he has gone. Mascherano is good but xabi is great. aquilani did ok against spurs but was not show- stoppingly good- early days. very similar cost to kuyt and boy, what a difference in ability!
alonso doesnt need to be quick- he makes time with his skill.
All that us fans have to go on was the way that Rafa unsettled him with the gareth barry saga (stevie g’s mate!). he disrespected alonso and lit the fuse then. Benitez does not seem to have good man management skills to me and I suspect that this is why babel has failed to settle. he is one of our few truly talented players and i’m sure he will thrive at his next club. we look mid table quality at the moment and have better players either warming the bench or being sold. look at big sami, why oh why did he go? I’ll say no more………..
Anyone who thinks Xabi leaving is a good thing needs a good shake.
Kelvin, I guess you sort of ‘asked for it’ friend. Xabi will never be forgotten and will always be missed. He is now part our history and our heritage but remains a friend to Liverpool.
We all wish him well because we all know had the Club respected him that little bit more he might still be a Liverpool player. With all due respect to two current players that I admire and love very much (Johnson and Aquilani), I would have preferred giving the money back and have him run our midfield. And this because I had not seen Liverpool play as beautifully as that did last season. We had our off games, but we were generally outstanding, terrific and devastating!
@kaustav
Gerrard did. In 2005. And then he get cold feet/heart. Now, I may not the best source, but I get that info from Brian Reade’s book.He’s a respectable journo.
First of all, I had to re-read the article a couple of times because of poor English. So sorry if I don’t get what you mean that, Kelvin.
Xabi was the reason why we played so well last season. He was pivotal in the system because he carried 2 duties; he defends alongside Mascherano and he creates openings for Gerrard & Torres. Hence, freeing Gerrard of his defensive duties and allow him to do what he does best, attacking the oppositions’ defence and linking up with Torres. I believed Gerrard’s bad from this season is also down to us losing Alonso. Without Alonso, Gerrard is caught in a two man’s land. “Should I attack and leave the midfield exposed? Or should I help out in defence and isolate Torres in the process?” cause let’s face it, Lucas isn’t an Alonso type player yet. Lucas does the defensive bit but none of the creating bit. Even Gerrard mentioned in an interview that the team misses Alonso. I strongly believe that if we still held on to Alonso, we wouldn’t be in this predicament we are in right now.
Liverpool misses Alonso and that’s a fact
I miss Xabi. It’s weird to see him any other colors except red. Truth be told, I’m still trying to cope with the loss. For sure, Xabi is one of the many Redmen who has shook the Kop. And please stop blaming him for leaving. I’m sure he has his own reasons and we have to respect them. Players come and go but to me, once a Red, you will always be a Red – even if you’re not wearing the Liver Bird on your chest anymore.
As for Aqui, I have faith in him AND Rafa for signing Aqui. Give him time cause after all, he’s recovering from a severe injury. Come on guys, we sing YNWA and I’m sure we mean every single word. So Xabi, even if you’re no longer with us, the contributions you made will never be forgotten and from the bottom of my heart, I wish you all the best in your football career. Always remember, you will never walk alone (and that’s the beauty of the great club called Liverpool FC).
SORRY FOR THE POOR ENGLISH!!! I am not that good in English. But at least I passed my english test in Malaysia. I will improve my English agian. SORRY!!!! Forgive ME, please.
I am very sorry about the poor English. SORRY!!! I am not that good in English, but at least I can pass my English in my school. So, hopefully I can improve more. Guys, it’s just my opinion, I don’t mind you guys disagree my opinion. But I am totally don’t miss Xabi. I am the guy who always like to look forward in my life. Rafa looks forward too. But sorry about making you guys angry. But I still respect my opinion and you guys’ comments because we are REDS, we love Liverpool. YNWA.
I miss Xabi for his outstanding performance last season (08/09), just like most of you.
But would anyone miss Xabi for his performance on two seasons before (06/07 and 07/08)? I didn’t hear too much fuss when Rafa wanted to sell Xabi in summer 2008 to fund Barry deal.
I agree with Guest1892. Nobody was wrong in this case. It’s normal if Xabi was hurt with Rafa’s decision to sell him. But Rafa had his own plan back then, just unfortunately it didn’t materialize.
If only Barry had come and we lost Xabi at that time, the situation might be well different.
Oh, and for Tim in above comments, you told Rafa doesn’t have good man-management skills and put Sami as one of example, eh? Then take a look at his latest view: “Rafa is an excellent man-manager and during all my time at Liverpool everybody liked him and everybody respected him.”
uh xabi didnt play well from o6-08? what team were you watching…and its funny you say people werent saying anything when we wanted to sell xabi to buy barry, cuz i remember going on youtube, this site as well as many others and 85 percent of the people preferred xabi to barry. dont get me wrong barry is a great player, and maybe, just maybe edges xabi out in the defensive area of the game (maybe). however xabi’s skill, technique, vision and passing range are far superior to barrys (barry cant start for england and xabi is 1st choice for the best team in the world..nuff said)…would have loved to have had barry, and maybe if we did we woulda won the league liek we shud have…but never would have taken him at alonso’s expense.
ok ok, that’s absolutely your opinion about Xabi, but remember it: Liverpool supporters do missed him badly, we addicted his passing style and everything. He don’t want to leave until RAfa’s pursuing of Berry. Don’t blame Xabi, he is always a red.