Lyle whats going on with your so called mighty reds??

[skel1983]

Not from what I've read;, the thing with Alonso is that he wanted to Join Madrid and didn't want to stay in Liverpool for quite some time now (i.e Madrid made him charm for a long time now, too); The move with Barry was because he wanted to go so that was a good timing to switch things... We know the rest, Barry went to City and Alonso always wanted to go to Madrid, we've have had a couple of articles about that situation here.
For the rest, Liverpool has always a competitive team for the past 5 years, won the CL in 2005, almost won the England premiereship last year (one damn victory away), that is not bad indeed for a team who,s in a very thin bottleneck with the ownership problem, money problem and the rest. Sure, I wish it was better, but to me, Benitez is not the real problem over here.

You read wrong mate and you are wrong, the damage was done in 2008 when Benitez tried to off load Alonso to Juventus to raise funds for Gareth Barry. Alonso didnt want to go anywhere he was settles at Liverpool until Bentiez did this, he wasnt intrested in Madrid and Madrid were not intrested until after this read this what Alonso said about why he moved. Again proves what a dick Benitez is as Alonso was there best player last year only 12 months earlier he didnt want him.


Money problem you say?? Go look at how much they have spent sorry how much Benitez has wasted now there struggling but over Bentiez's reign they have spent more than United, Chelsea and Arsenal. Id expect more than a cl and fa cup, he even came 5th the season he won the cl and was very lucky to have them in the cl. He needs to go imo.

Anyway this is why Alonso went not like you said cos he had his heart set on Madrid because like I sadi Benitez didnt want him and tried to offload him without his say so.

Benitez had wanted to off-load Alonso to Juventus in July 2008 to raise money to sign Gareth Barry from Aston Villa.
Alonso was disappointed to hear that Benitez was willing to let him go and resolved to leave when the right opportunity arose.

That finally happened when he joined Real for £30 million in August after revealing to Benitez that he wanted to leave the Premier League club.


"It was a very difficult decision for me to make," he told Sky Sports News. "After five years I have experienced wonderful nights at Anfield, to have experienced the support of probably the best fans in the world.
"That's why I have always been very grateful and I will always have them in my mind and it has been a pleasure.
"Last year the club proposed me that I might have to be sold to find funds for new players.
"It was a difficult decision or difficult moment to accept that. I accepted that as a professional and that moment probably changed my mind and I thought that maybe from that moment that maybe it was time for a change."
Alonso has since admitted that his relationship with Benitez deteriorated when he demanded to leave but the Spanish international reveals that their relationship was always a professional one.
"There has been a lot of rumours but I have always said that it has been simply a professional relationship," he said.
"I have always tried to do what he asked to do. What he asked of me on the pitch to do the talking on the pitch and that's that as far as that."

I totally disagree, 2 years ago there were already rumors that alonso wanted to go play back into Spain but it hasn't been "fire sprayed", knowing he could possibly leave eventually, BEnitez tried to secure the Barry deal but it felt out, Alonso had a good season and he couldn't say no to Madrid, especially as it is home, sunny, one of the best team available ever and the best way to impress the manager of Spain for the next European and world cup. now that the Barry deal felt off Benitez look like the evil wolf but there is reasons for what he has done.
As for money, yeah they spend quite a lot for the last 3 years but wouldn't have they done that they would have gone nowhere (and spending that money doesn't mean they could afford every penny they spent, unfortunately)

Mate I dont want to be rude but you seriously dont know what the fuck your talking about, Alonso was not touted to go to Madrid till Perez became President in 2009. The previous president didnt want Alonso where the hell did you get that information from?? Every time the new president comes in at Madrid they lay the cards out on who they are going for to secure the vote. Alonso was never talked about till 2009 to Madrid, the only club who wanted him before that was Juventus and Alonso didnt want to go.

Alonso was told by Benitez he needed to be sold to raise funds for Gareth Barry, so how would you feel about that your manager doesnt think your good enough, thats why he left. Im 120% certain he would still be there if Benitez didnt do what he did in 2008, ask any Liverpool fan why Alonso left.

[Nameless]

You read wrong mate and you are wrong, the damage was done in 2008 when Benitez tried to off load Alonso to Juventus to raise funds for Gareth Barry. Alonso didnt want to go anywhere he was settles at Liverpool until Bentiez did this, he wasnt intrested in Madrid and Madrid were not intrested until after this read this what Alonso said about why he moved. Again proves what a dick Benitez is as Alonso was there best player last year only 12 months earlier he didnt want him.


Money problem you say?? Go look at how much they have spent sorry how much Benitez has wasted now there struggling but over Bentiez's reign they have spent more than United, Chelsea and Arsenal. Id expect more than a cl and fa cup, he even came 5th the season he won the cl and was very lucky to have them in the cl. He needs to go imo.

Anyway this is why Alonso went not like you said cos he had his heart set on Madrid because like I sadi Benitez didnt want him and tried to offload him without his say so.

Benitez had wanted to off-load Alonso to Juventus in July 2008 to raise money to sign Gareth Barry from Aston Villa.
Alonso was disappointed to hear that Benitez was willing to let him go and resolved to leave when the right opportunity arose.

That finally happened when he joined Real for £30 million in August after revealing to Benitez that he wanted to leave the Premier League club.


"It was a very difficult decision for me to make," he told Sky Sports News. "After five years I have experienced wonderful nights at Anfield, to have experienced the support of probably the best fans in the world.
"That's why I have always been very grateful and I will always have them in my mind and it has been a pleasure.
"Last year the club proposed me that I might have to be sold to find funds for new players.
"It was a difficult decision or difficult moment to accept that. I accepted that as a professional and that moment probably changed my mind and I thought that maybe from that moment that maybe it was time for a change."
Alonso has since admitted that his relationship with Benitez deteriorated when he demanded to leave but the Spanish international reveals that their relationship was always a professional one.
"There has been a lot of rumours but I have always said that it has been simply a professional relationship," he said.
"I have always tried to do what he asked to do. What he asked of me on the pitch to do the talking on the pitch and that's that as far as that."

I totally disagree, 2 years ago there were already rumors that alonso wanted to go play back into Spain but it hasn't been "fire sprayed", knowing he could possibly leave eventually, BEnitez tried to secure the Barry deal but it felt out, Alonso had a good season and he couldn't say no to Madrid, especially as it is home, sunny, one of the best team available ever and the best way to impress the manager of Spain for the next European and world cup. now that the Barry deal felt off Benitez look like the evil wolf but there is reasons for what he has done.
As for money, yeah they spend quite a lot for the last 3 years but wouldn't have they done that they would have gone nowhere (and spending that money doesn't mean they could afford every penny they spent, unfortunately)

Mate I dont want to be rude but you seriously dont know what the fuck your talking about, Alonso was not touted to go to Madrid till Perez became President in 2009. The previous president didnt want Alonso where the hell did you get that information from?? Every time the new president comes in at Madrid they lay the cards out on who they are going for to secure the vote. Alonso was never talked about till 2009 to Madrid, the only club who wanted him before that was Juventus and Alonso didnt want to go.

Alonso was told by Benitez he needed to be sold to raise funds for Gareth Barry, so how would you feel about that your manager doesnt think your good enough, thats why he left. Im 120% certain he would still be there if Benitez didnt do what he did in 2008, ask any Liverpool fan why Alonso left.

Well... yeah, I know what I was talking about otherwise I would not have said freely; Alonso wanted to leave for a llonnngg time, I didn't find every articles I wanted (they seem to be offline for most of them now) but I found one article where Gerrard confesses it. Also, talks for Alonso occured before, informally but his name already circulated before, the new "big boss" at Madrid just decided to make of him a priority. Anyway, here's an article about it:
4 Nov 2009 08:18:33




By Adithya Ananth

Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard has revealed that he was "devastated" when Xabi Alonso left the club to ply his trade with Spanish heavyweights Real Madrid.

The Basque midfielder moved to the Bernabeu during the summer after five seasons at Anfield, and not a few have attributed the Reds' recent nosedive to his absence.

When asked how he felt about Alonso's departure, Gerrard told FourFourTwo magazine: "Devastated. But there was nothing I could do about it.

"Xabi said a long time ago that he wanted another chapter in his career and finally he got it and his team-mates and the coaches couldn't stand in his way.

"We just have to say thanks and move forward without him."

The Merseysiders sold Alonso for fee of around £30 million, and splurged most of the proceeds on bringing in Alberto Aquilani from Roma.

The new arrival has only recently recovered from injury, and Gerrard - who had a near-telepathic understanding with Alonso - believes that it will take some time for the Reds to move on without the midfield maestro.

"It's always going to be different when you lose one of the best players in the world - and people are finally realising that's what he is, on the back of his form for Real Madrid and the difference in us from last year," he said.

"We've got other midfielders here doing a good job but it will take a while before Alonso's out of our system because he was such a top player."

I was 'devastated' when Xabi Alonso left Liverpool for Real Madrid - Steven Gerrard - Goal.com

[Drago]

well done lyon

[Nameless]

well done lyon

Drago... COME ON!!.... we are a bit despaired about what,s going on this year if you haven't already noticed

[Drago]

well done lyon

Drago... COME ON!!.... we are a bit despaired about what,s going on this year if you haven't already noticed

being a man united fan i am aware of liverpools situation & thats why i am enjoying it so much

when united lose my fkin mobile never stops with liverpool fans textin me takin the piss!

[Nameless]

well done lyon

Drago... COME ON!!.... we are a bit despaired about what,s going on this year if you haven't already noticed

being a man united fan i am aware of liverpools situation & thats why i am enjoying it so much

when united lose my fkin mobile never stops with liverpool fans textin me takin the piss!

oh noooo, you're for the empire of evilness of the premiereship (though slowly that title might switch from red to blue but remain into the same city).... is there anything we can do to save your soul? You know, cure for that exists

[skel1983]

I totally disagree, 2 years ago there were already rumors that alonso wanted to go play back into Spain but it hasn't been "fire sprayed", knowing he could possibly leave eventually, BEnitez tried to secure the Barry deal but it felt out, Alonso had a good season and he couldn't say no to Madrid, especially as it is home, sunny, one of the best team available ever and the best way to impress the manager of Spain for the next European and world cup. now that the Barry deal felt off Benitez look like the evil wolf but there is reasons for what he has done.
As for money, yeah they spend quite a lot for the last 3 years but wouldn't have they done that they would have gone nowhere (and spending that money doesn't mean they could afford every penny they spent, unfortunately)

Mate I dont want to be rude but you seriously dont know what the fuck your talking about, Alonso was not touted to go to Madrid till Perez became President in 2009. The previous president didnt want Alonso where the hell did you get that information from?? Every time the new president comes in at Madrid they lay the cards out on who they are going for to secure the vote. Alonso was never talked about till 2009 to Madrid, the only club who wanted him before that was Juventus and Alonso didnt want to go.

Alonso was told by Benitez he needed to be sold to raise funds for Gareth Barry, so how would you feel about that your manager doesnt think your good enough, thats why he left. Im 120% certain he would still be there if Benitez didnt do what he did in 2008, ask any Liverpool fan why Alonso left.

Well... yeah, I know what I was talking about otherwise I would not have said freely; Alonso wanted to leave for a llonnngg time, I didn't find every articles I wanted (they seem to be offline for most of them now) but I found one article where Gerrard confesses it. Also, talks for Alonso occured before, informally but his name already circulated before, the new "big boss" at Madrid just decided to make of him a priority. Anyway, here's an article about it:
4 Nov 2009 08:18:33




By Adithya Ananth

Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard has revealed that he was "devastated" when Xabi Alonso left the club to ply his trade with Spanish heavyweights Real Madrid.

The Basque midfielder moved to the Bernabeu during the summer after five seasons at Anfield, and not a few have attributed the Reds' recent nosedive to his absence.

When asked how he felt about Alonso's departure, Gerrard told FourFourTwo magazine: "Devastated. But there was nothing I could do about it.

"Xabi said a long time ago that he wanted another chapter in his career and finally he got it and his team-mates and the coaches couldn't stand in his way.

"We just have to say thanks and move forward without him."

The Merseysiders sold Alonso for fee of around £30 million, and splurged most of the proceeds on bringing in Alberto Aquilani from Roma.

The new arrival has only recently recovered from injury, and Gerrard - who had a near-telepathic understanding with Alonso - believes that it will take some time for the Reds to move on without the midfield maestro.

"It's always going to be different when you lose one of the best players in the world - and people are finally realising that's what he is, on the back of his form for Real Madrid and the difference in us from last year," he said.

"We've got other midfielders here doing a good job but it will take a while before Alonso's out of our system because he was such a top player."

I was 'devastated' when Xabi Alonso left Liverpool for Real Madrid - Steven Gerrard - Goal.com

Mate we know the day Bentiez tried to flog Alonso in the summer of 2008 he wanted to leave, that is what Gerrard is reffering too, what im trying to get through to you is Madrid did not come in for Alonso till Perez came in 2009, is that to hard to understand??

The only team who wanted Alonso in 2008 was Juventus Alonso didnt fancy a move to Italy.

Let's put it this way Liverpool were prepared to sell Alonso for around |15 million, so if Madrid were after him like you say they were ( which 100% FACT they were not) why not buy him when he was available for 15 million?? No i mean better business sense would be not buy him then buy him after 12 months when Liverpool dont want to sell and pay 30 million.


Go look for some articles when perez became president it will make things alot clearer and while your at it go google when Liverpool tried to sell Alonso in the summer of 2008 you will fins hundreds of links with Juventus after buying him but not one for Madrid?

not trying to be a nob here but telling you 100% Madrid did not want Alonso till Perez came in FACT.

[Nameless]

Mate I dont want to be rude but you seriously dont know what the fuck your talking about, Alonso was not touted to go to Madrid till Perez became President in 2009. The previous president didnt want Alonso where the hell did you get that information from?? Every time the new president comes in at Madrid they lay the cards out on who they are going for to secure the vote. Alonso was never talked about till 2009 to Madrid, the only club who wanted him before that was Juventus and Alonso didnt want to go.

Alonso was told by Benitez he needed to be sold to raise funds for Gareth Barry, so how would you feel about that your manager doesnt think your good enough, thats why he left. Im 120% certain he would still be there if Benitez didnt do what he did in 2008, ask any Liverpool fan why Alonso left.

Well... yeah, I know what I was talking about otherwise I would not have said freely; Alonso wanted to leave for a llonnngg time, I didn't find every articles I wanted (they seem to be offline for most of them now) but I found one article where Gerrard confesses it. Also, talks for Alonso occured before, informally but his name already circulated before, the new "big boss" at Madrid just decided to make of him a priority. Anyway, here's an article about it:
4 Nov 2009 08:18:33




By Adithya Ananth

Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard has revealed that he was "devastated" when Xabi Alonso left the club to ply his trade with Spanish heavyweights Real Madrid.

The Basque midfielder moved to the Bernabeu during the summer after five seasons at Anfield, and not a few have attributed the Reds' recent nosedive to his absence.

When asked how he felt about Alonso's departure, Gerrard told FourFourTwo magazine: "Devastated. But there was nothing I could do about it.

"Xabi said a long time ago that he wanted another chapter in his career and finally he got it and his team-mates and the coaches couldn't stand in his way.

"We just have to say thanks and move forward without him."

The Merseysiders sold Alonso for fee of around £30 million, and splurged most of the proceeds on bringing in Alberto Aquilani from Roma.

The new arrival has only recently recovered from injury, and Gerrard - who had a near-telepathic understanding with Alonso - believes that it will take some time for the Reds to move on without the midfield maestro.

"It's always going to be different when you lose one of the best players in the world - and people are finally realising that's what he is, on the back of his form for Real Madrid and the difference in us from last year," he said.

"We've got other midfielders here doing a good job but it will take a while before Alonso's out of our system because he was such a top player."

I was 'devastated' when Xabi Alonso left Liverpool for Real Madrid - Steven Gerrard - Goal.com

Mate we know the day Bentiez tried to flog Alonso in the summer of 2008 he wanted to leave, that is what Gerrard is reffering too, what im trying to get through to you is Madrid did not come in for Alonso till Perez came in 2009, is that to hard to understand??

The only team who wanted Alonso in 2008 was Juventus Alonso didnt fancy a move to Italy.

Let's put it this way Liverpool were prepared to sell Alonso for around |15 million, so if Madrid were after him like you say they were ( which 100% FACT they were not) why not buy him when he was available for 15 million?? No i mean better business sense would be not buy him then buy him after 12 months when Liverpool dont want to sell and pay 30 million.


Go look for some articles when perez became president it will make things alot clearer and while your at it go google when Liverpool tried to sell Alonso in the summer of 2008 you will fins hundreds of links with Juventus after buying him but not one for Madrid?

not trying to be a nob here but telling you 100% Madrid did not want Alonso till Perez came in FACT.

I know the Juventus tried to land him IN, more than Madrid, I agree on that. What I say is that Madrid were thinking a bit about him (at the time), it was just not one of their priority so to speak, there was an interest, an eye on the guy but it was not a priority. Perez made him a priority when he kicked in. That year, Alonso had one of the best years of his life (if not the best). These 2 facts: 1) Alonso having a killer year + 2)Perez deciding to make of him one of his priority (and not only an interest) changed the whole equation and why the price for him did soar big time.
I recall something like 2 years ago on Eurosport.fr, there was an interview with him and he did state that "playing at Madrid would be an absolute dream for him but that he was feeling good at Anfield", which means "I would love to play for Madrid but I can't shout it too loud, especially as I am ok here". I just didn't find the article, unfortunately as Eurosport.fr do not keep long track of such interviews.

[JazMerkin]

Mate we know the day Bentiez tried to flog Alonso in the summer of 2008 he wanted to leave, that is what Gerrard is reffering too, what im trying to get through to you is Madrid did not come in for Alonso till Perez came in 2009, is that to hard to understand??

The only team who wanted Alonso in 2008 was Juventus Alonso didnt fancy a move to Italy.

Let's put it this way Liverpool were prepared to sell Alonso for around |15 million, so if Madrid were after him like you say they were ( which 100% FACT they were not) why not buy him when he was available for 15 million?? No i mean better business sense would be not buy him then buy him after 12 months when Liverpool dont want to sell and pay 30 million.


Go look for some articles when perez became president it will make things alot clearer and while your at it go google when Liverpool tried to sell Alonso in the summer of 2008 you will fins hundreds of links with Juventus after buying him but not one for Madrid?

not trying to be a nob here but telling you 100% Madrid did not want Alonso till Perez came in FACT.

I know the Juventus tried to land him IN, more than Madrid, I agree on that. What I say is that Madrid were thinking a bit about him (at the time), it was just not one of their priority so to speak, there was an interest, an eye on the guy but it was not a priority. Perez made him a priority when he kicked in. That year, Alonso had one of the best years of his life (if not the best). These 2 facts: 1) Alonso having a killer year + 2)Perez deciding to make of him one of his priority (and not only an interest) changed the whole equation and why the price for him did soar big time.
I recall something like 2 years ago on Eurosport.fr, there was an interview with him and he did state that "playing at Madrid would be an absolute dream for him but that he was feeling good at Anfield", which means "I would love to play for Madrid but I can't shout it too loud, especially as I am ok here". I just didn't find the article, unfortunately as Eurosport.fr do not keep long track of such interviews.

Nameless mate, Skel is right. The only other team bar Juventus to show interest in the Summer of 2008 was ATHLETICO Madrid. Real weren't at all interested up until Perez took back over, as before that they were only concerned with the attacking side of their team, at the time no doubt feeling that Gago could do the same things Alonso could. Obviously Alonso having an excellent following season, with Gago having a rather disappointing one, led them to believe that Alonso was a good replacement. But, they showed no interest in him whilst Calderon was at the helm.

[JazMerkin]

Think this deserves a bump in light of Liverpool's exit from the Champions League tonight. The fact they struggled to beat Debrecen says it all about where their team is right now. Fiorentina & Lyon are rightfully going through ahead of them.

[Dark Lord Al]

Very good idea from Benitez , to drop to a lower standard competition , in the small hope of winning something .