Skillz

That was after Spain's 1st game at the Euro's. Personally cannot see Senna and Momo being a good partnership, although I rate both players (Senna would be up for player of the Tournament from what I have seen). I think Xabi will go as soon as the Euro's are over providing he doesn't get injured. Infact that IMO is the only reason it hasn't happened already. The Barry deal will follow shortly after.

Burn down Anfield and insurance will cover replacement for 500M GBP if done properly. Negotiate to build in Stanley Park and we get a free stadium. Might have to rent Goodison every other week while construction is taking place. Can't see that being a problem

Sorry I didn't respond earlier. My previous posts explained my position on this, in other words my opinion. I never meant my thoughts on the delay to be accepted as proof for my view. Just one reason for formulating my view.

Cheers, that's him

No offense but i couldn't care, he's ours and that's all that matters. You make a good point though. I am (as I suspect you are) sick to death of reading posts like "If Rafa doesnt sign *insert name of player who excelled in game just played* I will hunt the prick down and lamp him" or the like.

I think Xabi knows his talents are better served on the continent and he is struggling to get 1st 11 place for Spain. He will be a star in Italy and I think Rafa would agree with him if he was being honest. I have said it before but I am convinced this was planned last summer. Xabi would give Rafa a years service to organise replacements such is the respect between the 2, IMO.

Those quotes from Xabi only strengthen my belief his moving to the continent has been long planned and not something being forced on him by Rafa.

I know what ES has said. I have just formed my opinion, rightly or wrongly, and I believe Xabi initiated this. It's the only way it makes sense to me if I am honest and fits in with both the rumours last summer and his lengthy delay in signing. Might leave it there as I am obviously out on my own on this one.

Yet he knows the club are in talks with Juve about him going there. He has 4 years on his contract, part of a 5 year contract he signed last season. He doesn't have to go anywhere. If we reach agreement with Juve i bet he will go without complaint and thank us for his time at LFC. I suspect he will have no bad words for Rafa or LFC. Strange considering he is apparantly being forced out of the club against his will. That will be what tells the true story.

I didn't say he wanted to go home. As for ES comments, I agree that is the only thing that makes me question my stance, due to the respect I have for his info. However, I have digested it and still believe I am right. See my post above. His delay spoke volumes IMO.

It's my opinion. Apologies for not adding the "IMO". I have always held this belief though, stems from the delay in Xabi signing the new contract and the fact he does not seem too bothered we are in talks with another club about his services. EDIT: also I think both he and Rafa can see that he will benefit from a move to a league like Serie A. He's a great footballer but will not be allowed to show his true talents in the English league, IMO.

Perhaps its time for a lot of supporters to think about the alternative. Xabi wants to go It was arranged last summer and I could not care for what he has said in the press.

I presume it is an attitude problem or he doesn't get on with some players etc. He has been s**** since his knee operation, but if he was allowed to rehabilitate properly and not rushed back or asked to play every game he should get back to being close to the level he was. Which was top 3 in the world, IMO. Interesting one this, someone will buy him and if they manage him properly could have a bargain. Unless the damage to his knee is far worse than is known. He has just had a reconstruction hasn't he? In Australia, the AFL players have them all the time and it is common knowledge you have to give the player time 6=12 months after their return to playing before you can see how good he is going.

Exactly. I will be very disappointed if Rafa isn't given an extension this summer. If he doesn't, all those words of support from the owners mean SFA.

This does not make sense. Selling Xabi to replace him with Barry does not make us any money. Surely we do not need Xabi, Masher, Lucas, Barry to fight for 2 positions when we have Plessis as well. What makes sense is Xabi deciding to leave for the benefit of his own career, giving Rafa time to sort a replacement (Lucas and Barry), before moving to a league more suitable to his attributes. IMO of course.

Your right. That puts my theory in direct contrast to Elisha's

Interesting! See maybe I am right and this is Xabi's wish to move.

I base it on - Rafa's previous love of Xabi - Xabi taking a long time last summer to sign the new contract - Xabi, as much as I love him, would be better suited on the continent. Something I think both he and Rafa would agree on. - Our purchase of Lucas I think Xabi decided he wanted to go and Rafa talked him into staying one more year to bed in Lucas, find a replacement under the agreement we would agree for him to move this summer if he still wanted to leave. Just my opinion, probably wrong but it makes more sense to me than Rafa suddenly deciding Xabi isn't good enough and forcing him out 1 year after pursuading him to sign a 5 year contract. Makes it easier for me to accept aswell

Prongsy, I understand your feelings on this. Personally I am convinced this move was requested by Xabi last season. His reasons being he feels his game is better suited on the continent or it could be his missus, either way I do not believe Rafa wants him to go. If it is Rafa there must be a reason we do not know about eg residual damage to his ankle, personality conflict etc. I certainly agree with you that his s****ness for the last 2 years is a myth. He has had a lot of very good games and the rest have been ok. He has had poor games but usually returning from injury and been targetted successfully by the opposition. There is more to this story but I doubt we will hear it but I do not believe it is Rafa's wish alone to sell Xabi, regardless of what Xabi has said in the press.

Agree. Carra and Agger is the way forward but Skrtel's presence means any lapse in form will see a change. It is possible Skrtel and Agger are the preferred choice by the end of next though. Carra cannot afford to start this season in the same way as he did this season just gone for example.

I'm not going to comment on the Torres malarky because it won't happen. Regarding the Pennant/Milner transfers I think this would represent a very good move. Milner is younger for starters but he also more direct and much more suited to the 4-2-3-1 whereas Pennant is a natural wide player suited to 4-4-2. I think Milner could be a good addition and he might blossum in our system and with better players/coaches.

Fact is Rafa deserves an extension. After what happened this season our owners have to show their true colours. Back him or sack him.

Great piece of play that sums up Dirk TBH. You are right though when you say he set up 2 goals against Italy. It needs to be taken on face value. e.g. very f***en good.