Robbie staying given Rafas comments today

[Spike]

"We are really happy with Robbie and he is working really hard, but you need to know exactly how many top-class strikers you need to win trophies or if Robbie is that type of top-class striker," Benítez said. "There is no doubt that Robbie is a top-class player, but you also need qualities in the team like pace and stamina if you want to win trophies.

 

"If you have a player like Robbie then you know what his qualities are, but you need to know what his performances will be like all season.

 

"It is not easy to find better players than Robbie. And it is difficult to find anyone with the passion he has for this club. But maybe you could find three top-class strikers who are 23 years of age and can score goals and have pace, and then you have to think. I have been talking to Robbie and we are not in a hurry, and he knows why. He knows he needs to improve and in which areas."

 

Taken from a quote on RAWK.

 

To me it sounds like Rafa wants to keep Robbie on his toes and make sure he doesn't sink into old ways and habits. A way of driving him on cos from what we have seen so far he has been fuelled by the comeback to anfield and will need more if and when he gets the contract.

 

I get the feeling that Robbie can quite quickly get into a comfort zone - once he feels he's got his contract he'll take his foot off the pedal. There have been a couple of interviews that have left me with that impression to be honest. That he's working for the contract, I mean he's already a Liverpool legend and you can't be one twice over surely? to retire at the club where he is adored. By the same token I feel that Rafa is looking beyond that for Robbie and knows if he can get fit then he has a f***ing demon on his hands. Rafa doesn't want a fit Man City Fowler. He wants a fit LFC Fowler.

 

Robbie's trying his a*** off during games, for sure, but I get the feeling that Raf wants to see how much Robbie wants it long term. It might be there in application at the moment but not 100% there in attitude.

[Guest Kev]

I think Robbie will be offered a contract very similar to Hamann's this season.

[LFCNeil90]

What is Hamman on just now??

 

And isn't Robbie currently on a "pay-as-you-play" contract

[Spike]

Agree Kev. I have heard that he has been offered a contract which goes a lot against what I have been saying in the post above.

 

I think the reason for Rafa's comments is one of either negotiation process or one to shoot a few cannonballs across Robbies media bow. Saying don't get too big for your boots son. The crowd may love you but I have the final say on your future.

 

What lies on my mind is Macca coming out and talking about him and Robbie meeting Rafa after the Chelsea CL semi and Robbie has been working hard on his fitness etc and wasn't boozing. I saw him with a bottle or two that night. Nowt wrong with that as he was injured but if I can see through that then Rafa will for sure. We have the same idea

[Guest Kev]

What is Hamman on just now??

 

And isn't Robbie currently on a "pay-as-you-play" contract

 

Hamann was given a 12 month contract with an extra 12 months if he played in 'x' amount of games during this season, he passed that total last month or even February, so he's deffo here next season.

[Lee W]

Perhaps Rafa will keep him to appease the fans after he buys Bellamy.

[Sir Tokyo Sexwale]

Rafa knows best, but from what I've seen of Robbie on the pitch, I'd be amazed if he wasn't offered a contract.

 

Obviously what goes on off the pitch has a say, so maybe he won't.

 

 

Hope he feckin does though. I want to see him burst through the 200 LFC goals mark

[Guest Kev]

Robbie is the best finisher we have at the club, no-one else comes close. It will have to be a really special player to replace him. I honestly believe he will be here next season.

[fyds]

I'd be surprised if he wasn't here next season.

[Dule]

Sadly i think Robbie will br let go after Kuyt is signed to replace Mori, and Owen is signed to replace Cisse.

[Rimbeux]

Sadly i think Robbie will br let go after Kuyt is signed to replace Mori, and Owen is signed to replace Cisse.

 

So we'll go with just three strikers?

 

It's not a question of budget, surely

[Guest ziggystardust]

aguero

[David Hodgson]

I don't think those quotes from Rafa hint at Robbie's staying.

 

Common sense says the odds are that he will, though, given he's free, and will settle for another short-term contract. We haven't got much to lose by keeping him on another year.

[Guest TanMan]

Pay him £50k per goal and pray he reaches the 20 goal mark

[Gomez]

I think Robbie has done enough to warrant a contract, but I admit I am biased because I want him to stay.

 

However, because Rafa is very much his own man, it really wouldn't surprise me if he let Robbie go

[Figaro]

Pay him £50k per goal and pray he reaches the 20 goal mark

 

 

Cheaper to pay him a terrace house per goal

[ricflairandy]

I really dont understand where all this should he shouldnt he stuff has come from in the last few days, aside from allerdices comments.

 

Robbie is staying. He doesnt want to play anywhere else, and liverpool know that they could offer him a month to month contract on about 10k a week and hed still sign. Unlike an other ex striker of ours, robbie would do anything to avoid leaving the club.