Liverpool FC Forum

[anfieldadorer]

I put this thread here since Xabi talks more about about football

February 02 

Xabi Alonso - February, 2th 2006

People often ask me how important Rafa Benítez was in my decision to join Liverpool and the answer is simple: fundamental. His determination to sign me and the confidence he placed in me were vital - I knew things would be far easier for me with a coach that knew me well and that had made such an effort to include me in his plans. He explained to me what he expected from me, what I could expect from the club and he really convinced me that coming to Anfield was the right move. I also knew him from his time at Valencia, of course, where he had won two league titles and the UEFA Cup in just three seasons.

I would define him as a perfectionist. He's very methodical, very thorough, and has a keen eye for the tiniest details. He analyses the opposition, and his own team, very closely indeed. He's a big part of the reason that we won the European Cup. He was very important at pivotal moments and throughout the campaign with his decisions and tactical game plans. To take a club to the European Cup in your first season in charge is a huge, huge achievement - and one that surprised everyone. Everyone respects him, they all love him in Liverpool, and there's no at all doubt that he deserves it. 

January 27

Xabi Alonso - January, 27th 2006

Liverpool is club that's steeped in history, it has a really strong sense of identity. People are always talking about the club's history, all the glorious nights at Anfield, and former players still have an important presence. They attend functions at the club and many of them have a voice in the media, which means you're constantly reminded of what Liverpool's all about. That doesn't put pressure on you but it certainly does make you aware of what this club represents.

It's not just about the successes, either: Hillsborough and Heysel are always present as well. When you arrive at Anfield you see the flowers and the eternal flame at the Shankly Gates and there is a memorial service every year. I think that makes Liverpool different. There is a sense of community and history here that makes people's identification with the club that much deeper; their commitment is incredible.

I identified with the club, the people and the city right from the start. I was quickly made aware of what Liverpool means and I have embraced that. Not that I have developed a dislike towards Man. U, mind you - despite last weekend! I prefer not to hate anyone; I prefer just to love Liverpool. 

January 26

Xabi Alonso - January, 26th 2006

Losing to Manchester United on Sunday was hugely disappointing, but the important thing now is not to let it effect us and we're confident we can bounce back. When our winning run ended at Bolton, we went out and won the next match and we also refused to be knocked off our stride by the World Club Championships in Japan. 

Looking back on Japan, I still can’t believe it. We had so many chances and three goals disallowed. At the end, we felt pretty angry but the overriding feeling was one of: how on earth didn't we win?! It was sad to go all the way there, play well, and not come back as world champions. It was the only major trophy the club had never won and our fans travelled a long, long way to see us, so it was a real shame.

The most important thing, though, was that it didn’t effect us - and that's because Rafa Benítez and Paco Ayestarán are supremely well organised. Our training was carefully prepared to build up slowly, changing our habits bit by bit, such as adjusting our eating, training and sleeping times to get ahead of the inevitable jetlag. When it comes to planning and preparation Rafa and Paco are definitely amongst the very best in the world. 

January 19

World XI and world's best

I couldn't decide who the best player in the world is at the moment. Rather than one single man, I think there are three or four ahead of the rest. I really like Ronaldinho, Thierry Henry and Kaká. It's wonderful watching Kaká play - even when you have to suffer it first hand like I did in Istanbul! And, when it comes to central midfielders, people who play in my position, I'm a big fan of Steven Gerrard and I also like Lampard and Ballack. Right now, though, my perfect XI would be:

Goalkeeper: Iker Casillas
Defence: Cafu, John Terry, Carles Puyol, Paulo Maldini.
Midfield: Xavi Hernández, Claude Makelele, Ronaldinho, Kaká.
Attack: Ronaldo, Thierry Henry.

January 19

Xabi Alonso - January, 19th 2006

It was good to get to back to winning ways against Spurs last weekend after our nine-game run of victories had come to an end with a 2-2 draw at Bolton. Not that we were too depressed about the draw, mind you. Of course we wanted to continue the run but we knew that it could end at any time and we were prepared for it.

We also knew it would be very difficult away at Bolton and in truth a draw is not a bad result - especially as we came back from 2-1 down with ten men. The pitch wasn't in great condition and we knew Bolton would be powerful, direct and aggressive. The tackles were flying in and the fact that we came back to earn a draw is a sign of the improvements we've made. Maybe last year we wouldn't have been able to do that.

Winning again when we returned to league duty after the FA Cup was pleasing too. Now we have to do the same against Manchester United on Sunday. It's a big, big match, not just because of the rivalry but also because we could have a really interesting battle with them for second place. We have a big month ahead of us, but we're all very confident at the moment.

January 13

Xabi Alonso - January, 13th 2006

For a footballer, Christmas is very different in England. In Spain, the league takes a break, whereas the Premiership really packs the games in and you have to fit Christmas around training and matches. This year, my family came over from Spain and mostly I just stayed at home and relaxed with them. We had Christmas dinner together, even though I had to train on Christmas day. Otherwise, a footballer's Christmas is more or less normal, spent relaxing at home. Mind you, you can't go out to parties and eating tonnes is definitely out.

We were really lucky this year because we didn't have to do much travelling, which meant I could spend a lot of time with my family. We had two home matches and our away games were only at Everton and Bolton. I think we travelled less than any other team and my family went to all the games. They got some good ones too, including a derby win over Everton. The one downer was my brother Mikel, who plays at my former club Real Sociedad - he spent the whole time reminding me that he was on holiday and I wasn't.

January 12

Xabi Alonso - January, 12th 2006

Wow, what a game against Luton! They deserve a lot of credit because they kept the pressure on us and played really well - especially in the first half. They did everything right, had the fans right behind them and things looked pretty bad for us, but we fought back and we're delighted with the 5-3 victory. People are likening it to Istanbul and asking what the secret is, but there's no secret. We certainly don't do it deliberately: it's not good for people's hearts!

I was pleased with my goals. The first one was 30-35 metres out and the second one 60-65 metres, so you could say I scored from a combined distance of 100 metres. I've tried shots from inside my own half before and have always said I'd try again. I saw it was on and was certain it was the right thing to do. I'd gone past their goalkeeper, who was up for a corner, and although it was a long way, I knew then that I was going to shoot. I hit it with a little bit of curl to make sure it was on target.

Stevie Gerrard was shouting at me, saying I should have passed, but when he saw it go in he changed his mind and started applauding! After the game, he was laughing about it and congratulated me. After all, you don't see goals from inside your own half too often.


January 10

Xabi Alonso - January, 10th 2006

It's the question everyone asks - and Xabi Alonso is no different. Why have Spain so consistently underachieved at major tournaments? He shrugs: "We all ask ourselves that and I'm not sure there is one definitive answer. You have to examine it tournament by tournament. People come up with all sorts of theories but I think it's more about the football itself. When it has mattered, we haven't measured up.

"Hearing about failure all the time makes a difference too," he continues. "If the Spanish national team had done better historically, maybe the mentality would be different. It could be that there's a bit of fatalism, that by always talking about failure we fail to demand success."

And then, of course, there's the referees. Spain ended the last world cup indignant at what they considered an act of daylight robbery against South Korea. Xabi, who watched from home, prefers to forget. "Everybody who witnessed the game will have their own thoughts. I prefer not to comment and to let people draw their own conclusions," he says. "My reaction was one of great disappointment. To be so close to the semi-final and miss out like that really hurts. It's best not to even think about it, to look forward and try to change history this summer."


December 16

Xabi Alonso - December 16th 2005

On the face of it, Spain have been handed a relatively easy draw but you have to respect everyone. For Saudi Arabia, Tunisia and Ukraine to even be at the World Cup they have to have earned it, although we're optimistic and we're certainly not complaining about the draw.


We know a lot about the Ukraine because we played them in qualification for the last European Championships. They're a strong team who are very impressive physically - and of course they have Andriy Schevchenko up front, who's a fantastic player. To be perfectly honest, I know very little about Saudi Arabia and Tunisia but as the tournament gets closer we'll be watching plenty of videos and by the time the World Cup comes round we'll know all about them - our fans can rest assured of that.


Although the group looks good, things could get complicated after that. If we finish runners up then there's a good chance of us getting France in the next round, and if we win our group we would be on target for Brazil in the quarterfinals. Then again, people always talk about all the permutations and then there's a surprise that makes all the analysis and debate completely pointless, so let's see what happens. Personally, I'd like to play England: I've got lots of English mates, I know their players and their style of play. Whoever we get, we're confident.

 

[Sabre]

Nice read.

Not that I have developed a dislike towards Man. U, mind you - despite last weekend! I prefer not to hate anyone; I prefer just to love Liverpool. 

You will, mate, you will.

I'm astonished that in the world XI best, he preffers Xabi Hernandez rather than Gerrard.   I'm not surprised he includes Puyol (you lot wouldn't include him cos you don't watch himr egularly but he's utter class). Also surprised that he includes Ronaldo.

[anfieldadorer]

Nice read.

Not that I have developed a dislike towards Man. U, mind you - despite last weekend! I prefer not to hate anyone; I prefer just to love Liverpool. 

You will, mate, you will.

I'm astonished that in the world XI best, he preffers Xabi Hernandez rather than Gerrard.   I'm not surprised he includes Puyol (you lot wouldn't include him cos you don't watch himr egularly but he's utter class). Also surprised that he includes Ronaldo.

Isn't Xavi his position competitor in spain starting line-up?

[Sabre]

Isn't Xavi his position competitor in spain starting line-up?

Not really, Xavi would play on front of him. Xavi Bar$a is more creative to give killing passes, but hasn't nor the tackling nor the long passes of Alonso. So normally Alonso or Albelda compete for that place behind Xavi Bar$a, and right now Alonso is the favourite for that place.

Anyway Xavi is a great player, but IMHO he's less complete than gerrard. Gerrard has it all, takes corners well, tackles, runs, shoots... he's better imho than Xavi

[stmichael]

sabre, xavi is injured long term isn't he? i know he's certainly out of the chelsea games.

on that note, i hear barca have been moaning about the state of chelsea's pitch and rightly so. it's a disgrace.

[Sabre]

sabre, xavi is injured long term isn't he? i know he's certainly out of the chelsea games.

Correct, complicated knee injury. At first , it was dubious if he was going to be ready for the WC, but fortunately his recovery is going well (so is Raul's) and he's going to be ready for April, a month before expected. Out for CL, no doubt, but Barsa's blip is not because of that but because the lack of Etoo and the use of rotations.

I'll put my money in Barsa in that draw

[Rafa D]

Nice interesting read.

  But can't believe he wouldn't put Gerrard in his World XI!!!
Also on a side note, would love to see Barca put Chelski out of Europe- Mourinho really wants old big ears but he has no chance .
  Also would rather see Ronaldinho at Anfield than Drogba!!!LOL