Rafa Benitez tells Xabi Alonso: Step things up

[AFII]

Meh, just read this how does a thread about Alonso end up as much about Kuyt? I'm running out of ideas for new titles for Niall

Alonso's a strange one. To be honest, I thought we played our best football of the season when he was playing and Gerrard was injured. When Alonso was put out coincided with when everything started to go a bit wrong. Of course, Agger was injured at the same time, and I still don't think we've seen anything like the form he showed in his first season since then, but there's a class player in there somewhere, who is capable of playing football in the right way, and he certainly has more about him than the best of our options in other positions.

I'd be sad to see things not pick up for him again at Anfield.

His injuries could be a part of the problem. A little bit the Henry situation for Arsenal. He may never get back to 100% again so it may be the right time to cash in on him. I hope I'm wrong because a 100% fit Alonso is an excellent player but it's a long time ago since we saw that week in week out.

[Craig_H]

Inconsistent, me ?

I back Rafa in all his decisions, be it poor or good. And I never said that Kuyt was a better player than Crouch. For me, both are average players, with Crouch the least significant one.

Yes you do, dont you?

Ever thought of having your own mind fella?

[Guest]

Ever thought of having your own mind fella?

Well I have, but I'm keeping it to myself and act like a supporter. Better be united than divided is my motto.

[Pablo]

I would cash in on Alonso in the summer while his stock is still high abroad. It's not that I dont rate him as a player, its that I cant see where he fits into the team anymore. Mascherano is better in the holding role than him. Gerrard is a better attacking midfielder than him. Lucas provides excellent, young cover.

If we could get £15m+ for him I would rather see the money spent to bring in a more accomplished attacking midfielder like Diego etc. Lucas can then deputise for Mascherano. I think this would give us a more balanced midfield.

I would still be sad to see him leave though, on his day he was

[Craig_H]

Well I have, but I'm keeping it to myself and act like a supporter. Better be united than divided is my motto.

So you're only a supporter if you keep your own thoughts to yourself and stick your head in the sand?

[sheep]back rafa's decisions regardless of whether i agree or not[/sheep]

[Guest]

So you're only a supporter if you keep your own thoughts to yourself and stick your head in the sand?

[sheep]back rafa's decisions regardless of whether i agree or not[/sheep]

Why spout bollocks you won't be able to change anyway ?

Rafa knows what he's doing, not DJS.

[Craig_H]

Why spout bollocks you won't be able to change anyway ?

Rafa knows what he's doing, not DJS.

Why have forums at all then, none of us can change anything, right?

As for your second line... Yes, he knows what he's doing...to the tune of a 17 point gap...

[MrMichael]

[JohnDoe]

We'll go nowhere with Gerrard and Mascherano as our first choice central midfield. Belittling Alonso is just hiding the real problem, suggesting to sell him because we have those two is in my opinion, extremely foolish. Masch and Gerrard are not good together as the "two", you can clearly see it this season.

They lack creativity and consistency in their passing. Gerrard is half the player when he's far from the goal, and that's what usually happens when he's partnered with Masch. Gerrard's twice the player when he's got Alonso next to him, because he's a lot closer to the box.

Gerrard + Mascherano= Can only work with a playmaker. Otherwise, it is a liability.

[AFII]

We'll go nowhere with Gerrard and Mascherano as our first choice central midfield. Belittling Alonso is just hiding the real problem, suggesting to sell him because we have those two is in my opinion, extremely foolish. Masch and Gerrard are not good together as the "two", you can clearly see it this season.

They lack creativity and consistency in their passing. Gerrard is half the player when he's far from the goal, and that's what usually happens when he's partnered with Masch. Gerrard's twice the player when he's got Alonso next to him, because he's a lot closer to the box.

Gerrard + Mascherano= Can only work with a playmaker. Otherwise, it is a liability.

Gerrard and Mascherano can only work with either a playmaker or two good wide players.

[JohnDoe]

Gerrard and Mascherano can only work with either a playmaker or two good wide players.

Two good wide players will be enough only if we become a direct, Mourinho style side that doesn't rely on short passing and pump the ball forward immediately.

Try to keep possession with Gerrard-Masch and you're ****ed.

[tomasjj]

I see similarities.

You obviously disagree.

I strongly disagree.


I think this whole Rafa out thing is a hyperbole like none other.

[Guest]

Why have forums at all then, none of us can change anything, right?

As for your second line... Yes, he knows what he's doing...to the tune of a 17 point gap...

You said it all Mike.

[Jazzmaster]

The point is that one should never question rafas decisions in front of manc supporting ****ty mates but on here one is at liberty to call all of his baffling selections etc into question.

Thats what this forum is for no?

[CharlieMansonsSquint]

Rafas Selection/Purchasing Policy and Kuyt

I strongly disagree.


I think this whole Rafa out thing is a hyperbole like none other.

Nobody is suggesting he should go now.

But I'm judging him on results, and so far he's not getting it done.

Unless of course we should be happy at being 17 points off the league leaders.

I want him to do his job properly, and giving pathetic excuses such as the ownership situation for him to hide behind for failing to do so isn't helping.

Right now he's making glaring Houllier-esque errors which is costing us points, and he can't hide behind the players either, aside from a handful they're all his buys.

He has the rest of the season to show improvement, same goes for the players, if they win a trophy and finish 4th I'm prepared to give him another season.

But I'm sceptical we'll see him change his methodology back to what we saw 2 years ago, when he kept things simpler and we were more successful in the league.