Guillem Ballague thinks Xabi Alonso could go

[redjersey]

if he isn't picked for the CL final.

 

Just listened to the Times CL podcast and Ballague says this: "I think it's very important for Xabi to play. Because if Xabi doesn't play, this could be the turning point of his career with Liverpool. If he doesn't play he may feel, and the people around him may feel, that "OK, if I'm not to be involved in that kind of match, it's because Mascherano has taken over and maybe I'm not wanted any more". And maybe he will look for somewhere else to go."

 

It could just be idle specualtion on Ballague's part of course, but I wonder if he has heard something that led him to say this. Hope not...

[Stevie H]

think he's just putting 2 and 2 together to be honest. and balague also said on the podcast that he thought gerrard would start the final on the right. . .

[Christine]

He?s pondering his future as we speak and has been for weeks, if he doesn?t start that will just be another factor to throw in the pot.

[cymrococh]

Ballague is often full of sh*t.

[Romario]

He?s pondering his future as we speak and has been for weeks, if he doesn?t start that will just be another factor to throw in the pot.

Personally I think he'll go. Just a gut feeling to be honest but I'm guessing he's told Rafa hense Masch and this new Brazilian chappy.

Edited May 17, 2007 by Romario

[Paul]

Please make the Alonso speculation disappear, be gutted if he goes.

 

Can't we have one peaceful summer where none of our top players are linked with a move.

[SkippyjonJones]

GB is paid to talk. If he?s got nothing solid then he will speculate.

Like any other Journo.

[realtarragona]

Personally I think he'll go. Just a gut feeling to be honest

 

Wouldn't surprise me

 

But I do think he'll start the final

[anny road]

i think he will play in the final and i think he will stay for this year at least

[Christine]

Its common knowledge Alonso is considering his future, makes no odds if GB mentions it or not, if he goes he goes, no big deal.

[MFletcher]

I'd be gutted if Alonso went as well, but it's not like we're replacing him with someone who doesn't know they're doing.

 

Considering Mascherano absolutely owned the Chelsea midfield in the CL semi-final and had the Arsenal midfield in his pocket the entire time we won 4-1, maybe Rafa considers him and Gerrard to be the long-term options in central midfield? If he moves, then we should thank him for everything that he's done for us, because he's been a great servant.

 

All I'm saying is that it wouldn't be a total disaster in the same way it would've been a couple of years ago. We have Javier now and he is an incredible player who would be more than able to step into Xabi's shoes.

 

Rafa knows what he's doing.

[Bigal]

Its common knowledge Alonso is considering his future, makes no odds if GB mentions it or not, if he goes he goes, no big deal.

 

it is for anny road

[Christine]

it is for anny road

 

Nahhhh we've already decided to take a few stars of me banner and go follow Barca

[anny road]

Nahhhh we've already decided to take a few stars of me banner and go follow Barca

 

 

how can you... i have your hat.....

 

unless I am coming with you....marriage made in heaven

 

although they may have to import more wine and vodka

Edited May 17, 2007 by anny road

[cymrococh]

no big deal.

I think it'll be a massive shame, I also think there's room for Gerrard, Alonso and Mascherano.

[Paul]

Its common knowledge Alonso is considering his future, makes no odds if GB mentions it or not, if he goes he goes, no big deal.

 

I wouldn't be so blase about him going tbh.

Hasn't had a great season by his standards but he still has a huge impact on how we play.

[Chili Palmer]

Its common knowledge Alonso is considering his future, makes no odds if GB mentions it or not, if he goes he goes, no big deal.

 

Losing one of our most influential midfielders is no big deal? ooooooooookkkkkkkkkk

[honourablegeorge]

That's a pretty fair statement to make though - Xabi missed out against Chelsea, if he missed the final too, he'd have to be wondering where he stood in relation to Mascherano.

 

I'd be very sad to lose either of Xabi or Momo.

[Christine]

I think it'll be a massive shame, I also think there's room for Gerrard, Alonso and Mascherano.

 

 

I wouldn't be so blase about him going tbh.

Hasn't had a great season by his standards but he still has a huge impact on how we play.

 

Look I'm a big fan but I won't lose sleep over any player that wants to move on. If that's the decision he comes to then good luck to the lad.

[anny road]

Look I'm a big fan but I won't lose sleep over any player that wants to move on. If that's the decision he comes to then good luck to the lad.

 

 

what she said......

 

i'd be sad but we move on

 

that said, i dont think he will

[Christine]

how can you... i have your hat.....

 

unless I am coming with you....marriage made in heaven

 

although they may have to import more wine and vodka

 

 

ACE. Me you go for Barca.... I can keep the banner

[meepins]

The horror.

[anny road]

ACE. Me you go for Barca.... I can keep the banner

 

 

sorted

 

can you speak Catalan??

[Flight]

Personally I think he'll go. Just a gut feeling to be honest but I'm guessing he's told Rafa hense Masch and this new Brazilian chappy.

 

I felt that way for a long time and have thought that its what is responsible for his poor form. I hope I'm wrong.

 

 

Is it right he can buy out his contract for a nominal (~£5m) sum this summer ?

Edited May 17, 2007 by Flight

[anny road]

I felt that way for a long time and have thought that its what is responsible for his poor form. I hope I'm wrong.

Is it right he can buy out his cotnract for a nominal (~£5m) sum this summer ?

 

 

Do you think Xabi would f*** us over like that?

 

I think he will actually sing a new contract, but with an agreement that he can review his situation as he goes along