Rafa's afternoon press conference

[Craig_H]

Just shown on SSN.

One question brought an interesting response:

Reporter: Is Christian Poulsen an option?
Rafa: (bursts out laughing)

[Craig_H]

Rafa was also asked whether Aquilani's injury record was a concern, given that we've spent £20m on him.

To which, Rafa laughed again, and said it wasnt as much as this.

Also confirmed that as early as 13th April, the club knew that Madrid were talking to Alonso. 15th May, Madrid officials came over to discuss the deal. Eventually, the club saw Alonso wanted out and professionally speaking, the club had little choice.

When asked why Alonso wanted to go, Rafa said something along the lines of "I have my ideas, but he said he saw it as a great opportunity and wanted to be part of it".

Reporter then asked if Rafa could tell him what his 'idea' was, and Rafa laughed and said 'maybe off the record'.

[Guest]

[cadmium]

Rafa = Legend

[Rafael Benítez Maudes]

where can i watch this?

[DannyMan2006]

Didn't let on anything with regards to transfers.

Usual of "We will keep working until the end" , "We will continue to work within our budget".

[JohnDoe]

Kwalitee

[red g]

he is just soooooo relaxed at the moment.

compare and contrast to that senile old ******* at scum

[Baracus]

I thought it was interesting that Roffa, never denied that anymore transfer dealings will take place and never stated that anymore would happen. Make of that what you will

[kingfunk]

He seemed to be in a very good mood, If rafa is happy, Im happy!

[DannyMan2006]

I thought it was interesting that Roffa, never denied that anymore transfer dealings will take place and never stated that anymore would happen. Make of that what you will

It means nothing as usual. He said the same last summer and we signed someone. He said the same in January and we signed no one.

It's from the Guillem Balague school of answering questions. We may sign someone, we may not.

[Rafael Benítez Maudes]

He seemed to be in a very good mood, If rafa is happy, Im happy!

i'm not too happy today actually.

[DannyMan2006]

i'm not

too happy today

actually.

Why not?

[Rafael Benítez Maudes]

money is tight.

credit crunch




i hate americans.

[DannyMan2006]

Rafael Benitez has confirmed that Liverpool are in the market for an attack-minded player and declared that new signing Alberto Aquilani has a better ‘killer’ pass than his predecessor Xabi Alonso.

Speaking to the press, the Spanish coach revealed:

"For the final pass, Aquilani has more accuracy than Xabi.

"We tried very hard to keep Xabi, but he made it clear he wanted to go and we have to defend Liverpool. We are professionals. He had a fantastic year, but he wanted to go.

Facing up to the obvious challenge from high-spending Manchester City, Benitez also conceded that high quality player additions were a necessity.

"Man City are spending money; we had to bring in quality, and [Glen] Johnson is a good player," he said of the Reds’ new right-back.

"We will now look for someone to help [Fernando] Torres and [Steven] Gerrard.

"The idea of winning the Premier League every year is hard. City are doing really well because they are signing players with Premier League quality, so they will be a threat to us and Manchester United."

http://www.sport.co.uk/news/Football/25077/Benitez_confirms_We%E2%80%99re_looking_at_getting_Gerrard_and_Torres_some_help.aspx