Pako on "gardening leave" to fend off mancs and chelsea

[sonsofthedesert]

is that right you big ****?

[Gaz]

Tosser is a bit harsh.

I actually toned it down a fair bit, the first time i typed it in there were a few more expletives in it but i thought i'd better tone it down a bit

Platini is a turd.

[CharlieMansonsSquint]

Pako Ayesteran to remain on leave
Sep 12 2007 by Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo

LIVERPOOL hope to scupper any possible move by Chelsea or Manchester United for Pako Ayesteran by agreeing a period of ‘gardening leave’ for the former assistant.

Ayesteran is in the process of severing his ties at Anfield, but it’s feared Jose Mourinho and Sir Alex Ferguson are ready to pounce for his services.

Talks have been ongoing to establish whether the ex-Anfield number two will have the right to join another club this season when his period on Merseyside ends.

Anfield boss Rafa Benitez is understandably anxious to ensure his trusted lieutenant isn’t delivered into the hands of his Premiership rivals – especially as he’s been privy to so much tactical and technical information during the course of his time at Anfield.

It’s a sad end to Ayesteran’s Liverpool career as he gave the club great service, and it should be noted suggestions of Chelsea and United interest remains little more than speculation.

Benitez will be sweating over his international stars today, but he was helped by the early return of Xabi Alonso following his red card for Spain last weekend.

Alonso played in yesterday’s 2-1 reserve win against Crewe, in which Fabio Aurelio made his comeback from an Achilles injury.

Meanwhile, chief executive Rick Parry has confirmed Liverpool’s opposition to Michael Platini’s plans to revamp the Champions League.

Platini wants the fourth spot to go to the FA Cup winners.

Parry said: “Contrary to the claim only Liverpool and Manchester United oppose this in England, all the Premier League clubs at the UEFA meeting did so, and this position is supported by the Premier League itself.

“It’s not a question of self-interest by the big clubs, because if you look at the recent FA Cup winners’, all were in the top four. It’s just more of a lottery in the cup.

“There’s a strong feeling the Champions League place should be based on Premier League performance.

“Liverpool, Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal and Newcastle all feel the same way.”

Despite the protests, it’s feared Platini will be able to force through his proposals as he has the backing of the Italian FA, and most of the smaller European nations.

In future, the side handed the fourth spot is also likely to play more than one qualifying round.

JUDAS CUNTFACE

[Joe King]

Would any of you be surprised if Pako went to one of these clubs?


It would be a darn shame

[Shaggy]

Rafa Benitez warns Premier rivals: Pako Ayesteran will never join you

Sep 15 2007 By David Prentice, Liverpool Echo

RAFA BENITEZ has warned Liverpool’s title rivals off his unsettled assistant, Pako Ayesteran.

Benitez’s long-time number two has declared his intention to quit Anfield – and the Reds have placed Ayesteran on extended ‘gardening leave.’

But with speculation mounting that both Chelsea and Manchester United are monitoring the situation, Benitez has issued a clear hands-off warning.

“His contract is very clear,” said the Reds boss. “When you talk about this level (of football) you cannot move from one side to another with all the information you have. The contract is clear about that.

“We don’t need to work too hard on these issues because the contract is clear. I don’t know the exact situation right now because the lawyers are working with it. But we already have people working here and everything is okay.”

Benitez reiterated his decision not to enlist a new coach to replace Ayesteran.

“We already have Alec Miller, Paco De Miguel the new fitness coach, Xavi Valero and Dave McDonough,” he added. “They are the same people that we had before. Instead of one person doing the job we have three or four doing it. Everything is fine.”

Despite his words, Benitez remains bitterly disappointed by the decision of his right-hand man to leave, and also the timing of the announcement.

Ayesteran told Benitez of his feelings on the day of the Champions League second leg against Toulouse.

Benitez, meanwhile, has warned in-form record signing Fernando Torres that life in the Premier League will not always be as easy as he’s made it look to date.

Torres has made a flying start to life in England, netting three times in four league games, including a double in the six-goal hammering of Derby which swept Liverpool to the top of the table.

But the Liverpool boss is cautioning against an early analysis of Torres’ talents.

“Yes, Fernando should be pleased, but we also have to tell him to keep working hard,” said Benitez. “It is not always going to be as easy as he thinks it is at the moment and we need to wait and see what happens in a month or two.

“He will find out there are some very difficult central defenders to play against.

“But the fact he has scored already is important because goals give all strikers confidence.”

Nevertheless, Benitez is not anticipating any problems, having thoroughly checked Torres out before approaching Atletico Madrid in the summer with the kind of bid the La Liga outfit could not turn down.

“When we were thinking about signing him, we got to know all about him,” said Benitez. “He has a lot of strength, both physical and mental. In the head, he is far more mature than his age, so I am not surprised by him - I was expecting something like this.”

[kendoddsdadsdogsdead]

How long has Eth been on uphill gardening leave from this forum? Looks like Bob has paid a visit to his potting shed.