Liverpool 2010/11 Season Thread

[SharkSkin-Man]

Looks like Xabi is definitely off then.

Pretty upset it has taken him this long to put in a transfer request. Should've been done weeks ago to give us a decent chance of getting someone in to replace him.

[Street Turk]

It is a shame. After his best season for us as well...

Will miss him.

Can't blame him after Rafa's attempts to get rid last season.

No idea who will replace him...Cattermole has been linked which I really hope is a sick joke.

[teenagewasteland]

There's no guarentee of course Xabi would have as good a season as last years but he is a big loss. I hope Rafa has something up his sleeve... other than Lucas.....

[SharkSkin-Man]

Aquilani is looking the most likely replacement at the moment.

I wouldn't be too worried about Lucas stepping in for a while anyway, I think he finished the season strongly.

[saif]

why does it look like he has gone? nothing on bbc or official site.

[SharkSkin-Man]

Well he's put in a transfer request...so it's very, very unlikely he'll be staying I would think.

[Nu-Eclipse]

Well he's put in a transfer request...so it's very, very unlikely he'll be staying I would think.

Agreed.

While I don't blame Xabi for wanting out after the whole Gareth Barry fiasco (evidence of Rafa's tendency to occasionally lapse into poor man-management YET AGAIN coming to the fray), he could've handed the transfer request in earlier to allow us adequate time to find a proper replacement. Handing it in with the start of the new season only a fortnight away is pretty poor form, imo.

On the other hand, we would almost certainly save on paying out the loyalty bonus.

[abigsmurf]

He's probably put in the transfer request late because he was talking to Benitez for a while trying to sort out his grievances. It's not in his best interests to hand in a late transfer request either.

[Street Turk]

Utd linked again with Silva and Villa.

Why are we taking so long if we are supposed to be buying them!?!?

[saif]

Doubt we have the necessary cash for David Villa. I think we want Silva but it is up in the air. Valencia do kind of need to cash in apparently though.

Alonso's 48hrs are over right? Am I being unduly optimistic that he is staying?

edit: did you realise that, if Xabi left, we would onjly have TWO CL winners in our squad remaining?

[Street Turk]

He won't stay now...

Really? Only 2?

Guess it is over 4 years ago...and that winning team was mostly Houllier\s signings.

Off topic: Reading 'CArra'. Not bad at all....brutally honest which is refreshing. Recommended.

[Nu-Eclipse]

Off topic: Reading 'CArra'. Not bad at all....brutally honest which is refreshing. Recommended.

Agreed. Got it as an Xmas present.

[hudson]

According to reports in Spain, Liverpool have signed Roma's Aquilani for around 18m euros.

Sounds like the Alonso is a goner. As long as we keep Monster, I'll be okay and wont **** my pants just yet.

[saif]

Alonso is more important to us imho. Season before last, season went south as soon as XA was injured. XA also makes more tackles and interceptions than Masch (iirc, or very close). He is unfussy, neat and allows the team to play.

[hudson]

We got to let go of Alonso, I'm afraid.