Xabi Alonso speaks

[Figaro]

http://www.elmundo.es/elmundodeporte/2006/...1147868819.html

 

I've run you off a quick translation

 

SAN SEBASTIÁN.- The international midfielder Xabi Alonso has confirmed that his team mate at Liverpool Fernando Morientes received a massive blow when he found out that he had not been called up by Luis Aragonés to play for Spain in the World Cup in Germany.

 

Alonso gave a press conference in San Sebastián after buying shares in Real Sociedad. During the conference he pointed out that, he and his team mates at Liverpool Luis García, Pepe Reina and Fernando Morientes, usually picked by Aragonés, were "looking forward to" and "confident" of being in the final list for the WC.

 

"For Morientes this has comes as a massive blow and a complete surprise. He was being picked for the last few games and it's always a downer when you're not chosen, but he has to move on. He knows that he can get back in the future."

 

The Liverpool footballer said that he was "really looking forward" to going to the World Cup in Germany and "with the idea of doing something important", although he admitted it will be difficult for him to hold down a place in the Spanish teams midfield.

 

"Winning a place is complicated because everyone has had great seasons" confided Alonso, who also stated his intention of fighting for a starting spot and confirmed that just being in the squad was "already a success".

 

He said that he thought the Spanish squad has "the potential to do well" in the World Cup, but it will be a case of "little by little, because if you set yourself lofty targets you're quickly knocked back down to earth".

[Behind Enemy Lines]

Whats Spain's likely starting lineup Pat? (oh look a formation thread!)

I would have Xabi & Xavi in the middle

[Figaro]

It will probably be:

 

Casillas

Salgado

Puyol

Ramos

Antonio Lopez

Luis Garcia

Abelda

Xavi

Joaquin

Raul

Villa

 

sort them out yourselves

 

Personally I'd have the following:

 

Reina

Salgado (for lack of anyone else -Should have been David from Sevilla CF)

Puyol

Ramos

Antonio Lopez

 

Xabi

Xavi

Abelda

 

Iniesta

 

Luis Garcia

Villa

[Mikey]

It will probably be:

Casillas

Salgado

Puyol

Ramos

Antonio Lopez

Luis Garcia

Abelda

Xavi

Joaquin

Raul

Villa

sort them out yourselves

 

Personally I'd have the following:

 

Reina

Salgado (for lack of anyone else -Should have been David from Sevilla CF)

Puyol

Ramos

Antonio Lopez

 

Xabi

Xavi

Abelda

 

Iniesta

 

Luis Garcia

Villa

That spanish side is basically s**** apart from one or two outstanding individuals.

[Behind Enemy Lines]

I'm inclined to agree with you - from what I've seen this season (admitedly sly sports only )

Raul is gone, Joaquin has had a poor season, Iniesta is class.

As for Reina v Casillas - that is a hard one to call

 

That spanish side is basically s**** apart from one or two outstanding individuals.

The main question is will Puyol be able to do a Carra and keep the defence solid enough.

Probably OK in the group, but maybe found wanting in the later stages

[AnfieldCop]

I know this is the wrong thread, and also a stupid and difficult question, but do you Figaro know when Alves will decide where he will play next season. Before or after the WC ? Thanks

[Figaro]

I know this is the wrong thread, and also a stupid and difficult question, but do you Figaro know when Alves will decide where he will play next season. Before or after the WC ? Thanks

 

I posted what he said before which wasn't much as the forum legend that is Scot pointed out. (He hasn't decided yet).

 

He's having talks with the Sevilla president on Tuesday.

[Leo No.8]

Raul? Incredible - just how long can your reputation keep you in the side...

[Figaro]

Raul? Incredible - just how long can your reputation keep you in the side...

 

Leo, as long as you have the Madrid based sports press (ie. Marca, AS) behind you...

 

Sad, but true.

[Stevie H]

i'm baffled that any team can go into a world cup without someone like xabi alonso being a fixture in their side. it's bizarre.

[Behind Enemy Lines]

i'm baffled that any team can go into a world cup without someone like xabi alonso being a fixture in their side. it's bizarre.

and only 1 defender

[Figaro]

i'm baffled that any team can go into a world cup without someone like xabi alonso being a fixture in their side. it's bizarre.

 

Luis Aragones = Murphyman Spanish Version.

 

I think that will explain it

[Stevie H]

Luis Aragones = Murphyman Spanish Version.

 

I think that will explain it

 

haha! what, a senile old racist tory? excellent.

[Swipe]

Figaro - did you not mention Aragones loved Xabi and Xavi and would prob start them?

 

Or was that someone else?

 

I'd like to see them do well. Surely they will eventually!

[monkey puzzle]

I know this is the wrong thread, and also a stupid and difficult question, but do you Figaro know when Alves will decide where he will play next season. Before or after the WC ? Thanks

 

 

He isn't playing in the WC so I wouldn't of thought it'll be considered in the time frame of any transfer - I could be wrong though.

[Figaro]

Figaro - did you not mention Aragones loved Xabi and Xavi and would prob start them?

 

Or was that someone else?

 

I'd like to see them do well. Surely they will eventually!

 

 

He did state that he preferred them together - but in Germany I think it will be one or the other and if the old c nut has any sense he stick Iniesta in there

[Swipe]

He did state that he preferred them together - but in Germany I think it will be one or the other and if the old c nut has any sense he stick Iniesta in there

 

Too right. That lad is class.

 

Xabi and Xavi were amazing against England when they played together, though.

 

Looking forward to seeing Villa. Haven't seen much of him.

 

Bet Raul starts first game, his replacement comes on and scores and Raul spends rest of tourny on bench!

[fyds]

He did state that he preferred them together - but in Germany I think it will be one or the other and if the old c nut has any sense he stick Iniesta in there

FWIW Pat, I think your starting XI is a lot more prurient than his usual Xi - obviously hanging around with an ex-60 a day, wine-fancying cloggy king has paid off!

[Figaro]

FWIW Pat, I think your starting XI is a lot more prurient than his usual Xi - obviously hanging around with an ex-60 a day, wine-fancying cloggy king has paid off!

 

Cheers

 

He's in a real mood atm. Hasn't been invited to the cavalcade yet

 

He'll get over it counting his earnings from last night.

[Mikey]

Raul? Incredible - just how long can your reputation keep you in the side...

Anyone care to ring Beckham and ask?

[Maldini]

12 months ago you probably couldn't have gotten away with The Xavbi's in there together, but Xabi has improved the defensive side of his game drastically over the past year.

[fred milne]

12 months ago you probably couldn't have gotten away with The Xavbi's in there together.

I don't know about that - it must have been about 12 months ago now that Xabi and Xavi took Lampard & Co to the cleaners in the game over in the Bernabeu.

[Swipe]

I don't know about that - it must have been about 12 months ago now that Xabi and Xavi took Lampard & Co to the cleaners in the game over in the Bernabeu.

 

Completely wiped the floor with them.

[_00_deathscar]

The Xavbi's

 

That's a band name and a half that ...

[Spanish_fan]

Spain are going to play a 4-3-3 system more often than not. Only one winger has been called up and there are many central midfielders.

 

Goalkeeper and back four are very likely to be these

Casillas

 

Sergio Ramos Ibanez Puyol López

 

In midfield Aragones may play Senna or Albelda next to two creative midfielders picked form this lot: Iniesta, Xavi, Xabi Alonso, Cesc. Those foour midfielders give Spain an edge at keeping possesion. But who is going to score the goals? Well, that will be down to the strikers, and that is why I think instead of playing wingers like Joaquin or Reyes who score very few goals Aragones will use 3 of these 4 mainly: Villa, Luis Garcia, Raul and Torres. On current form Raul should be on the bench.

 

Spain midfield can outpass any team in the world, but lack of athleticism and poor shooting ability will hinder their chances.

Edited May 18, 2006 by Spanish_fan