Topic: Morientes: I might be on my way out

[Gromit]

 Morientes awaits chop as Benitez hunts for strikers
By Andy Hunter
Published: 17 May 2006

Fernando Morientes last night revealed that he has been unable to settle at Liverpool and expects to be sold when Rafael Benitez strengthens his FA Cup-winning squad this summer.

The 30-year-old has been a major disappointment at Anfield, where he scored only nine goals last season and was relegated to the substitutes' bench behind the equally unwanted Djibril Cissé for Saturday's showpiece in Cardiff. Morientes's disillusionment was compounded on Monday when he was omitted from Luis Aragones's Spain squad for the World Cup.

"I've been at Liverpool for a year and a half and with injuries and other things I've never felt right. I'll have to speak to the manager to see if he wants me but I can't stay if I don't play. I left Madrid because I didn't feel useful."

Darren Bent, Jermain Defoe and Craig Bellamy are all under consideration by the Liverpool manager, though he will not pay excessive amounts for those players. As for Morientes, he now finds himself in a similar position to Cissé in that Benitez would like to use them to raise transfer funds providing a club willing to match their wage demands steps forward.

On his absence from the Spanish World Cup squad Morientes, who is interesting several clubs in La Liga including Espanyol, added: "If I'd played more, if I'd scored 15 or 20 more goals, I'd have been able to expect something better but I haven't played well. My playing style was my guarantee but the terrible year I've had has put paid to that."

http://sport.independent.co.uk/football/liverpool/article485424.ece

Sad it didn't work out for him, could never accuse him of not trying.  He doesn't deserve as much as stick as he recieves, but good luck wherever he ends up at.

[whitey1234]

As you say his effort cannot be questioned,but always looked off the pace to me.

Interesting defoe info from spurs blogs.

Defoe off to Scousers??

The message boards have gone wild tonight with rumors that Defoe has been given permission to speak to Liverpool and he is likely to complete a deal to the scousers by Friday. Often I take this type of info with a pinch of salt but as it has not only appeared on Glory Glory but very reliable posters have stuck the news up on COYS and FTL as well. Liverpool sites also claim this is now almost a done deal with only the fee in question with some saying 9 million, others 15 million.

If he does go i won't be surprised. Defoe is not known for club loyalty and his last set of performances, when he was supposed to fighting for an England place, showed a distinct lack of commitment to the cause. While clearly a capable player, one who does not want to play for the Lillywhites is not worth keeping as his value should be maximised. While Keane knuckled down and fought for his place, scoring 16 goals for the season, Defoe kept quiet but did not deliver on the pitch. While no one can doubt he is a good player but if he does not want to be here then sell him.

[navin]

All I can wish is good luck!

[Alonso_The_Assassin]

Bit gutted by this. It seems Moro's world cup ommission has made him change his tune on his Liverpool situation. If you can remember, last week he was adamant he was staying!

[stoa]

Sad it didn't work out for him, could never accuse him of not trying.  He doesn't deserve as much as stick as he recieves, but good luck wherever he ends up at.

Exactly my feelings. Always made me sad when he missed a chance and looked so desperate...

[Living Legends]

Bit gutted by this. It seems Moro's world cup ommission has made him change his tune on his Liverpool situation. If you can remember, last week he was adamant he was staying!

Yeah, seems strange that. Perhaps Rafa has indicated something to him. I cant believe though

that at 30 he is that worried about international football...i dont know. But it sounds strange.

[rafathegaffa83]

Sad it didn't work out for him, could never accuse him of not trying.  He doesn't deserve as much as stick as he recieves, but good luck wherever he ends up at.

I agree there...he often tracked back to at least be of some use, I just don't think his style of play and lack of playing time over the past two years aided his adjustment to the Prem. As for Defoe, I hope we ain't bringing him in as I would prefer the versatile and hard-working Kuijt to Defoe who is almost a smaller version of Cisse: doesn't work hard enough for second balls; is offside too much; lacks basic ball control and is inconsistant

[Alonso_The_Assassin]

There's pros and cons to bring Defoe in, but hey, it could work out. He's proven in the premiership and there was similar carry on when we brought Crouch in, and look how many people got proved wrong there?

Personally, I want Kuyt in, but Rafa knows best.

In the Gaffa we trust!

[Immoral King Brian Blessed]

I hope he does well wherever he goes.

Rafa has been interested in Defoe for a long time now, and hasn't lost interest if these reports are true. And who can't trust Rafa at this point?

[barbudo]

He can still contribute; just find him a partner who complements his playing style.  Crouch and Cisse don't, for very different reasons, but Moro and Fowler might work.  If you're a skeptic, replay Robbie's goal at Portsmouth.....

[Dr. Funs Doll]

who is almost a smaller version of Cisse: doesn't work hard enough for second balls; is offside too much; lacks basic ball control and is inconsistant

bollocks
He's got a load more natural talent than Cisse.  "lacks basic ball control" ....nah he's got a good touch on him, and he's a natural finisher.  which is the most important thing

[Rashid-Ali]

Kuyt and Nando have a slightly similar style.

[kcbworth]

there was similar carry on when we brought Crouch in, and look how many people got proved wrong there?

what do you mean? crouch might have been our best striker this year but he hasnt performed anywhere the standard that a top line liverpool striker should :/ i reckon defoe would be the same, ok, but frustrating, and well below what we really need.

[johnno918]

fair play to morrientes, he works hard when he plays, tracks back when he looses the ball etc. i just dont think morrientes will make the break in england, i think a lot of that is due to confidance, if morrientes came into the premiership and scored a couple of goals in his first 5 games, then maybe he would have bin able to find some form.

[Terry De Niro]

When he first signed for us I was really excited, he's showed his class in the odd game, but the odd game in the Premiership isn't enough I'm afraid..
He's never adjusted to our league, and I don't think he ever will.

Good luck Fernando..

[Ken-Obi]

When he first signed for us I was really excited, he's showed his class in the odd game, but the odd game in the Premiership isn't enough I'm afraid..
He's never adjusted to our league, and I don't think he ever will.

Good luck Fernando..

I'm with stupid. Can't blame his lack of effort at all.

Best wishes, Nando.

[sunny_LFC]

bollocks
He's got a load more natural talent than Cisse.  "lacks basic ball control" ....nah he's got a good touch on him, and he's a natural finisher.  which is the most important thing

agreed, couldn't disagree with rafathegaffa83 more. defoe is very different to cisse, excellent touch and control and a great finisher, think he would flourish at anfield, think flo but more suited to the premier league, with the pace to go with it.

IMO, defoe at his best, is the closest english thing to henry, think he has so much talent and needs to be in the right team.

as for rafa's interest in defoe, it reminds me of the crouchy interest last year, the rumours wouldn't go away and you just knew, even with the reservations, that rafa would get his player. think the same will happen with defoe, rafa will get him. im sure.

[lisa.goodgirl.1984]

oh im so sad.....A gorgeous football player is leaving my beloved Liverpool

I think people where too harsh on him, he always tried so hard, but couldnt play like he did in Madrid and Monaco

I think it was more of a mental thing, because he missed such easy chances, which isnt normal.

I wish hime good luck for the future.

Always liked him a lot, not just because of his gorgeous looks 

[Alonso_The_Assassin]

what do you mean? crouch might have been our best striker this year but he hasnt performed anywhere the standard that a top line liverpool striker should :/ i reckon defoe would be the same, ok, but frustrating, and well below what we really need.

This rubbish about what we need etc. is a little far fetched for mine. We finished 9 points behind Chelsea and in my books that's not too far.

Face it. We're not going to buy a striker that can bang in 20 goals in the 'ship a season simply because we don't have that kind of cash. Kuty would be good but he won't get us 20 goals in one competition. There's not much of a problem in my honest opinion.

If Gerrard nets 15 and you get a guy like Garcia chipping in with his ten or so, the strikers can share it around, like they did this year. Don't forget what a fit Kewell can bring you along with Gonzalez.

[rafa4sure]

I would be a bit suprised if Rafa went for Defoe. Don't get me wrong, I think he's a good player. Just don't think he's Rafa's type of player. Defoe - a poor mans Michael Owen? Surely we need someone with all the attributes you need in a top class striker - strength, touch, good hold up play, and not just pace. I agree, for me he's too similar a player to Cisse, although I'll freely admit Defoe's close control is probably a lot better.

Regarding Morientes. Would be a shame if he left; feel sorry for him for how things haven't worked out, despite his efforts. I'd echo all the comments stated above also, and wish Nando the best of luck!

[Ken-Obi]

Did anybody really know if Crouch was Rafa's type of player?

[stoa]

He can still contribute; just find him a partner who complements his playing style.  Crouch and Cisse don't, for very different reasons, but Moro and Fowler might work.  If you're a skeptic, replay Robbie's goal at Portsmouth.....

It really did work, I think. At least, I believe it was obvious that Moro could play with Fowler and to a certain extent with Gerrard, because they seemed to get quite a big amount of his flick-ons and passes, and at least Fowler seemed to know exactly what Nando was about to do with the ball. With Crouch and Cisse Moro just doesn't seem to click...

[LadyLala]

oh im so sad.....A gorgeous football player is leaving my beloved Liverpool

I think people where too harsh on him, he always tried so hard, but couldnt play like he did in Madrid and Monaco

I think it was more of a mental thing, because he missed such easy chances, which isnt normal.

I wish hime good luck for the future.

Always liked him a lot, not just because of his gorgeous looks 

Same here! Aw... he does look good huh?
But even if I cast that aside, I also did liked him a lot for his hard work and effort...
Can't fault him for trying.
I always did wish he'd come good eventually, we were all so excited when we were linked with him, weren't we? I really feel sad that it just didn't work out... I'd still be willing to give him more time, but perhaps, Rafa, like many other fans, just feel that his time is up. If that's the case, good luck Nando.

[kkhaku]

I'm wouldnt be surprised really although sad to see him go, because I think he can still make a contribution. Key here though is that he didnt live up to expectations, namely Rafa's expectations. It wasn't all bad with him, but it was no where near good enough for the standards he has set for himself - and he knows it.

That being said, that article looks like bollocks to me...Hunter keeps saying that he's in the position as the 'equally unwanted' Cisse - which he doesn't back up at all. I mean Nando knows he hasn't done enough to earn himself another season - but Rafa hasn't said anything at all, about him or Cisse...and there are still mixed opinons on whether either of them will stay or leave. That article doesnt change anything, it just verifies the fact that Nando has had a really crappy season and has now admitted it.

As for Defoe, Bellamy etc, there are risks associated with every player, especially strikers. Rafa hit gold with signings like Alonso, Momo and Luis. He's also bitten the dust with signing like Josemi, Pellegrino, and Nando. Like all of us, I have complete faith in who he brings in.

[lisa.goodgirl.1984]

Same here! Aw... he does look good huh?
But even if I cast that aside, I also did liked him a lot for his hard work and effort...
Can't fault him for trying.
I always did wish he'd come good eventually, we were all so excited when we were linked with him, weren't we? I really feel sad that it just didn't work out... I'd still be willing to give him more time, but perhaps, Rafa, like many other fans, just feel that his time is up. If that's the case, good luck Nando.

Same here! Aw... he does look good huh?
But even if I cast that aside, I also did liked him a lot for his hard work and effort...
Can't fault him for trying.
I always did wish he'd come good eventually, we were all so excited when we were linked with him, weren't we? I really feel sad that it just didn't work out... I'd still be willing to give him more time, but perhaps, Rafa, like many other fans, just feel that his time is up. If that's the case, good luck Nando.

Yeah I know hun

Im really sad to read the news about Morientes.

Its really weird, such an amazing career, we where all so excited about him, he was voted most valuable player in the champions league less than 2 years ago....and then at Liverpool he is just a shadow

Hes worked so hard, and contributed quite well sometimes, but I think weve only seen him at 20% maximum. I dont understand it.

[MattLFC08]

Jez, a year and a half already! I really cant put my finger on where it all went wrong in the Premiership for Nando. I can see him moving to France and finishing his career. I wish Him the best. 

[Living Legends]

I remember when he scored a great header against Van Der Sar last season when VDS was

at Fulham, what a goal and I thought yes this is it now the goals will flow. But he picked up a

knock and lost the chance to push on with his LFC career. Last home game of this season we

saw a great, neat finish against Villa which I think had everyone wondering why haven't we

seen more of that. I think he was unlucky with not just the injuries but When he picked them

up ie after a good game and a goal. Either way if he is off then I wish him all the best.

[Alonso_The_Assassin]

That being said, that article looks like bollocks to me...Hunter keeps saying that he's in the position as the 'equally unwanted' Cisse - which he doesn't back up at all. I mean Nando knows he hasn't done enough to earn himself another season - but Rafa hasn't said anything at all, about him or Cisse...and there are still mixed opinons on whether either of them will stay or leave. That article doesnt change anything, it just verifies the fact that Nando has had a really crappy season and has now admitted it.

I agree. The more I read this article, the more I think it's bollocks.

[sull14]

Doesnt seem right his taughts would take a sudden U turn in the space of a week, sound suspicios to me

[El Campeador]

I hope I don't get slated too hard for this but here goes.

I'm in the minority when I say that I trust Rafa on absolutely everything - team selection, tactics, club and squad management, rotation, even stuff like the freezing out of Dudek (painful as it was) - EXCEPT the identification, acquisition, and management of strikers. He's always managed to confound me on that topic.

Whilst I still have hopes for Crouch, it has to be said, he hasn't carried the mantle passed down through generations of legendary Anfield strikers. It's too early to tell, but it's not like we expect him to come back with the World Cup Golden Boot now, let's be honest.

The sooner we see the back of Moro, the better. It's a painful situation for all involved. His greatest asset, that uncanny ability to steer the ball with his cranium, seems to have deserted him. How many times this season was a ball planted on his forehead, only for him to miss the target by a mile? He's down on himself, he's not scoring, and he's not about to start at his age.

I'm a fan of Cisse, and I think he should be given more time. It would be a huge waste of money to let him go, though, and out of anyone we release, he is the one that you *know* will go somewhere and bang in 30 goals. You can feel it. He's one of those forwards that is DYING to score. Why he's still on the chopping block, especially after his flourish to end the season, is a mystery to me. Must be the hair. Give the man another year.

I worship the ground Robbie Fowler walks on, but he's not going to be a 30-goal a year striker who plays in 50+ games. He's going to be a part time contributor as time takes its toll. Which is fine by me (and probably himself).

But now we're being linked with Defoe?? I'd rather spend the money somewhere else, and spend the effort on Florent Cinema Popcorn, who's a similar type of player, and has worked hard and waited patiently. As someone on this thread mentioned, Robbie Keane buckled down and earned his spot, while Defoe pretty much had an off year and was confined to the bench, and missed an automatic World Cup spot. *THIS* is who we want? A Spurs striker who can't get off the bench?

Bring back FSP, and as Rafa says, "give us options" - Crouch, Cisse, Fowler, FSP. Add one big time striker to the top of the shopping list, and we're in business. I don't know who that might be, but I don't think it's Morientes, and I hope it's not Defoe. Someone of the Crouch target man type maybe, to replace what Rafa thought he could get out of Moro?

[mytemporallobes]

I'd still be willing to give him more time, but perhaps, Rafa, like many other fans, just feel that his time is up.

maybe we should give him more time to adjust?  given that he's young and all

[Living Legends]

maybe we should give him more time to adjust?  given that he's young and all

Don't have to be so smart mate. Make your point but remember while you are entitled to your

view so to are others.

[The Finn]

Never really found his feet in the Prem, looked like he found all too fast and wasn't used to having no time on the ball. Class guy though, wish him well wherever he ends up.

[Life]

I have never, even with Heskey, been as desperate for a player to leave the club - but I can't wait to see the back of Morientes.

Biggest disappointment ever - and that's not just knee-jerk over-exaggeration.  Supposedly one of the finest strikers in Europe, we snapped him up for a bargain £6.5m - in exchange, we were supposed to get a rampaging bull of a striker, sublime on the deck, and a powerful accurate header of the ball.

What we got, was a player going through the motions, seemingly playing with lead boots on, always at least one yard off the pace - he looked like he still knew how to play in his head, but his body was  just no longer following instruction.

If we can get some money from him from a Spanish club who are still dazzled by his reputation, then great, but he's such a complete waste of a position, I'd be happy just getting him off our books.

Nine goals for this team - especially when he was getting a game week-in, week-out when we were creating upwards of 20 goal-scoring chances a game at times - it's a disgrace.  And it'll leave a bloody bad taste in my mouth if he carries on with this "can't score if I'm not picked" nonsense - he was picked far, far more than he should have been, and I still blame his selection for us losing out on being able to call ourselves World Champions.  He missed a handful of sitters in that game and should have been fired off in the transfer window.  Neil Mellor would have got more than him in the last 18 months...and no, I'm not joking.

[woof]

We need to have variety in our arsenal - Crouch - keeps possession, links up players but needs to work on his heading; Fowler - expert marksman & keen eye for goal; Cisse - quick as a flash, thunderous shot but needs to work on ball control, attitude and defensive duties.

We also need to consider the styles of football we play in a variety of scenarios. Against minnows and lesser teams, they tend to defend deep in their own half and hit us with quick counter-attacks. In games like that, we need someone like Fowler who has an eye for goal. We also need some long range hitters who are not afraid to launch bombs if the opposition decides to camp in front of the goal posts.

Against teams which are more open, i.e. allows us acres of space to run, we should deploy Cisse who can use his pace and hopefully with better control.

Defoe or Bellamy? Seriously, neither sparks any enthusiasm in me. I would have preferred Robbie Keane but I doubt Spurs would let him go after a fine season. What about RVN since he's been given the kiss of death by Fergie? I hate him too but we can't ignore what he can do. Kuyt looks interesting but it is a question whether we take the risk, just as we did with Morientes and backfired? If we are ready to challenge for top honours next season, it's not the appropriate time to take risks. I say go for someone proven in the Premiership.

If only Fowler was 5 years younger.....

[barbudo]

Never really found his feet in the Prem, looked like he found all too fast and wasn't used to having no time on the ball. 

True, but in a 4-4-2 system strikers don't operate independently; they've got to be played in the right combos.  Moro/Crouch and Moro/Cisse haven't worked.  But when Garcia came on as a substitute for Crouch in the game against Boro last December after about 70 minutes of stalemate, the interplay between them and Stevie G carved open the Boro defence over and over again.   I just hope Moro stays, and Rafa finds the right partner for him.

[StevieG26]

I have never, even with Heskey, been as desperate for a player to leave the club - but I can't wait to see the back of Morientes.

Biggest disappointment ever - and that's not just knee-jerk over-exaggeration.  Supposedly one of the finest strikers in Europe, we snapped him up for a bargain £6.5m - in exchange, we were supposed to get a rampaging bull of a striker, sublime on the deck, and a powerful accurate header of the ball.

What we got, was a player going through the motions, seemingly playing with lead boots on, always at least one yard off the pace - he looked like he still knew how to play in his head, but his body was  just no longer following instruction.

If we can get some money from him from a Spanish club who are still dazzled by his reputation, then great, but he's such a complete waste of a position, I'd be happy just getting him off our books.

Nine goals for this team - especially when he was getting a game week-in, week-out when we were creating upwards of 20 goal-scoring chances a game at times - it's a disgrace.  And it'll leave a bloody bad taste in my mouth if he carries on with this "can't score if I'm not picked" nonsense - he was picked far, far more than he should have been, and I still blame his selection for us losing out on being able to call ourselves World Champions.  He missed a handful of sitters in that game and should have been fired off in the transfer window.  Neil Mellor would have got more than him in the last 18 months...and no, I'm not joking.

As harsh as that may sound, and as much as I like the guy, I agree with you there. He's been promising us 'a big performance' all season and he failed to deliver that against Benfica, Chelsea and West Ham. In the final I only counted two good touches from him. Strange cause I think that one of the reasons we bought him in the first place was his touch.

Maybe with the size of the transfer fee and everything, I think he's been Rafa's worst signing.

[Paul Tomkins]

Nine goals for this team - especially when he was getting a game week-in, week-out when we were creating upwards of 20 goal-scoring chances a game at times - it's a disgrace.  And it'll leave a bloody bad taste in my mouth if he carries on with this "can't score if I'm not picked" nonsense - he was picked far, far more than he should have been,

I think he was talking about playing more in terms of all those injuries, especially in his first year at the club.

I thought it was a very honest interview - "I haven't played well". Not many players are that blunt.

[redmark]

but I can't wait to see the back of Morientes.

Agreed, for all reasons given.

I'm in the minority when I say that I trust Rafa on absolutely everything - ... - EXCEPT the identification, acquisition, and management of strikers. He's always managed to confound me on that topic.

I've thought about this too. Some managers do just have weaknesses with particular positions. Hopefully, so far we've been a little unlucky AND Rafa just hasn't yet identified the real striker he wants in the long term - I think Crouch was originally an option rather than the answer, and Morientes was a fairly cheap/short term answer. I do agree though regarding the management; if Rafa hadn't appeared to distrust and unsettle Cisse at the start of the season, we might not be having these discussions; he might have played 50 games upfront and have 30-35 goals. Might.

[hooded claw]

You have to love the use of the word 'revealed' in that first sentence.