Rafa explains why he is open to the idea of selling Alonso

[Vermilion]

Also, if Rafa indeed did make it difficult for Xabi to stay behind for the birth, he could have had a good reason, he could also have always intended for Xabi to just that and stay with his wife, but by making out he was unhappy, it sends a strong message to everyone of the level of commitment he expects.

People second guess every decision, what looks on the surface to be a hard selfish manager, could just be Rafa ensuring dedication from his players, but all the while ensuring that their best interests are looked after.

Ok, this is just another interpretation of what could have been happeneing, and yes it favours Rafa, but the point is we are all just guessing at what went on at the time, and what if any repercussions have followed.

[Johnny]

If Rafa wants to sell Xabi and must sell him for more than 16 mil euros then why cup tie him in the CL.


I reckon this is all a load of bollox propagated by those with an agenda.

[Vermilion]

If Rafa wants to sell Xabi and must sell him for more than 16 mil euros then why cup tie him in the CL.


I reckon this is all a load of bollox propagated by those with an agenda.

There's a lot of it about around LFC just now.

[Sarb]

There's a lot of it about around LFC just now.

It's what happens when you choose to conduct all your dealings in public

[Rashid]

Remember Rafa missed the funeral of his own father to stay with us in Tokyo...

I think that says a lot.

He didn't miss the funeral, I thought it was that he delayed going back but was there for the funeral?

[Sarb]

Remember Rafa missed the funeral of his own father to stay with us in Tokyo...

I think that says a lot.

Shows some people have strange priorities

[Rashid]

Also, if Rafa indeed did make it difficult for Xabi to stay behind for the birth, he could have had a good reason, he could also have always intended for Xabi to just that and stay with his wife, but by making out he was unhappy, it sends a strong message to everyone of the level of commitment he expects.

This smiley is supposed to be me.. but it's appropriate for your post. I cannot believe what I have just read. If my boss did that I wouldn't think "WOW look at the level of committment he expects", I'd think, "what an asshole".

[Woobus]

This smiley is supposed to be me.. but it's appropriate for your post. I cannot believe what I have just read. If my boss did that I wouldn't think "WOW look at the level of committment he expects", I'd think, "what an asshole".

ave so many people having such high hopes about your performance in your jo
I really doubt you get paid anywhere near the same amount, or hb. To try and compare ourselves with top flight footballers is pointless.

[Tatterdemalion]

I personally thought the way Xabi was treated was a bit Xabi....












Yeh, I'm gone.

[Shaggy]

He didn't miss the funeral, I thought it was that he delayed going back but was there for the funeral?

Yes he did.

GRIEVING RAFA TO STAY WITH REDS
By Alex Livie - Created on 16 Dec 2005

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has vowed to focus on his work following the sad death of his father this week.

Benitez's father Francisco died earlier this week following a lengthy illness and the Spanish tactician had agonised over whether to return to be with his grieving family.

The funeral could not be delayed and Benitez would not have bee able to return to Spain in time to attend and has opted to remain with the Liverpool squad ahead of the final of the Club World Championship against Sao Paulo in Tokyo.

"I was in Madrid a couple of times because my father has been ill for the last few months," he told the club's website.

"I was talking to my mother, sister and brother when my father died. We tried to go there but in Spain you do not have the time. They couldn't delay the funeral.

"I couldn't go so I decided to stay here. I will go and see my mother next week so for me it is perhaps better to concentrate on working.

"You can be very upset but if you are working sometimes you can just think about your work. My mother is there though and I will try to be with her as soon as possible.

"The only thing I can do now is try to do my best for my team and think about my father."

[Rashid]

So he didn't go to the funeral because they wouldn't wait for him. Which is fine, as I said it's individual choice anyway. It doesn't make asking Xabi to risk missing his child's birth any more justified.

[Shaggy]

Although in fairness that article suggests he wouldn't have made it in time anyway.

I do know that in Spain they tend to bury, er, dead people....the next day, unlike over here.

I do seem to remember though, contrary to that article, that Rafa actually could've made it but it would all have been rather rushed and he did actually opt to stay in Japan.

I think.

Anyway as you say, each to their own........but the point is I think Rafa is a workaholic to levels that none of us could appreciate, and probably expects the same of others around him.

[Exiled_red]

Although in fairness that article suggests he wouldn't have made it in time anyway.

I do know that in Spain they tend to bury, er, dead people....the next day, unlike over here.

I do seem to remember though, contrary to that article, that Rafa actually could've made it but it would all have been rather rushed and he did actually opt to stay in Japan.

I think.

Anyway as you say, each to their own........but the point is I think Rafa is a workaholic to levels that none of us could appreciate, and probably expects the same of others around him.

But Rafa's also big on players being 100% focused on the game, I would have thought if he would have known that if he were to try and keep Xabi from going to the birth, Xabi wouldn't have been 100% focused on the match and Rafa wouldn't have wanted him to play. So I would say that there's nothing in this rumour and the problem (if there is one) originates elsewhere

[Nicey]

What a load of cock custard, who needs the tabloids when we have our fair share of bull**** artists on here ...

He said she said lets burn him, god some of you people are as thick as a plank

[Guest]

What a load of cock custard, who needs the tabloids when we have our fair share of bull**** artists on here ...

He said she said lets burn him, god some of you people are as thick as a plank

Lots of people discussing about pointless things. It's as if this place is full of little girls.