I am 100% behind Rafa and am completely convinced of the current crop of managers out there available or not, he is the one to bring back our glory days, however having said that, it doesnt make Rafa immune from mistakes. Like all managers, Rafa has had some clangers, and his man--management of Alonso (either forced or voluntary) was one of his poorest decisions. Even last summer, when Rafa came out in the media to reaffirm his committment to players like Benayoun and Kuyt, he failed to come out and put his arms around Alonso. The Barry deal never happened and we were better off for it. Like all of us, Alonso is a down to earth simple human being at the end of the day, he needed to feel wanted and needed to feel that the manager and club had confidence in his abilities.
Unfortunately, he had to move on. Credit to Rafa for being able to realize a significant gain on his sale, but what good are those funds if the Yanks use them to retire debt obligations. Till Aquilani is fit and available, we have a $30mil gaiping hole in the middle. If you listen to his interview, Alonso talks about how Real Madrid plan on using him i.e linking the defence with the offence...exactly what we are missing now....
Xabi Alonso !!
Xabi Alonso !!
Xabi Alonso !!
Xabi Alonso !!
Admittedly players who hand in transfer requests are'nt remembered too fondly, but in this case, I hope the Anfield faithful make an exception. He was an Anfield Legend