Liverpool must keep stars insists Torres

http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/liverpool-must-keep-stars-insists-torres-1724887.html

Liverpool striker Fernando Torres believes the club have to hang on to the likes of Xabi Alonso and Javier Mascherano if they are to depose Manchester United as Barclays Premier League champions.

The two midfielders are major targets for Real Madrid and Barcelona respectively but Torres is in agreement with manager Rafael Benitez that neither should be sold - despite potential offers in excess of £25m each.

Yesterday Alonso failed to pledge his full commitment to the Merseysiders while Barca president Joan Laporta again hinted they were willing to use Mascherano's international team-mate Lionel Messi to lure the Argentina captain away from Anfield.

The increasing speculation about the two is a concern for Torres, who himself signed an improved contract with the club towards the end of last season.

"I worry about losing my team-mates but if we can keep our best players and bring in some more, we'll be even stronger for next season," he said.

"The important thing is we're getting closer to the title. It's been frustrating for me because three years without a trophy for Liverpool is too long.

"The next one is coming, though - I'm sure of it. Man United have been the strongest team in Europe but they've lost an important player (Real Madrid-bound Cristiano Ronaldo), so maybe it's our time now.

"My ambition is to win trophies with Liverpool. We must win something next season.

"And then, with Spain, it's obvious that the 2010 World Cup is our big challenge. I hope 2009-10 will be a great season for me."

Torres accepts the club's lack of financial muscle means they are unlikely to be able to compete for star signings like international team-mate David Villa - valued at £40m - but he believes that will not affect their chances of winning trophies.

The Spain striker has recommended his international team-mate, plus fellow Valencia pair David Silva and Juan Mata to manager Rafael Benitez, but knows signing Villa is a distant prospect with Liverpool's transfer fund dwarfed by both Real and Barcelona's as well as Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea's.

However, regardless of finances the Spain striker is confident Liverpool can overcome United, whom they came a close second to in last season's Barclays Premier League.

"I don't know about Liverpool's financial situation but I know we don't have the same money as Manchester United or Chelsea," he told ZOO Magazine.

"We're fighting them with less money every season. That's not a problem for us - we're a strong team and we'll win trophies with money or without it.

"I know Rafa is working hard to bring in good players but I'm pretty sure David Villa will be too expensive for us.

"He is an outstanding striker and if Liverpool could sign anyone, I'd ask for him. He's been in sensational form this season.

"But, to be honest, we have Steven Gerrard playing behind the striker and he scores 20 goals a season, so we don't really need another forward. We just need to keep our best players.

Is Torres the only Spaniard at Anfield who has his head screwed on the right way around?

Possibly.

Rafa and Torres the only spaniard's with passion for Liverpool at the minute the rest are too tempted by Real Madrid

Rafa and Torres the only spaniard's with passion for Liverpool at the minute the rest are too tempted by Real Madrid

Pepe Reina might disagree.

Is Torres the only Spaniard at Anfield who has his head screwed on the right way around?

Possibly.

I would say Reina also they both seem to have a lot of affection for the club and the fans

I would say Reina also they both seem to have a lot of affection for the club and the fans

Although it is arguable whether Pepe has got a few screws loose. 

Sorry I forgot about pepe reina so the only spainiard's with passion for Liverpool at the minute are Rafa,Torres and pepe reina

guess those 3 only know the grass ain't greener on the other side.

What's wrong with them all FFS? 

We're one of the strongest teams in Europe since Rafa took charge. The gaffer has a plan, he is creating a fantastic team that is starting to challenge seriously on the domestic level. They (the players) have the extreme chance to be playing for such a prestigious club as ours, are they so blind that they can't see the progress we're making and the probability of top silverware on the horizon?

I'm F***ing sick to death of defending them. Torres has shown the example - if you're happy where you are, come out and say it, the fans will adore and revere you. If you aren't happy then just bloody put in a transfer request. I love our Spanish lads, they've helped us progress, but if they're homesick I'll wish them all the best, as I'm sure most decent fans would.

What's really F***ing me off though is all this fawning up to the Spanish clubs!  We've kicked their arses in the Champion's League, we've shown that we're better organised and have better spirit.

If they think they're going to a bigger club then let them, but do it above board and with honesty. With respect for the fans.

To be honest, I have a lot more respect for Arbeloa who says he's homesick, at least he has an understandable reason. It's time for Xabi and Masch to decide where their priorities lie.

I'm starting to get F***ing excited now though. Torres sounds like a man on a mission.

I think all the lads now think United are only going to go downhill and it's our time to take their place as champions.

He's right though and I hope the lads listen to him. I think some of our players could take a leaf out of Torres' book at times.

I found this on Marca  its prety much the same as what was said the other day r.e Mata Silva & Villa

Benítez calls for Torres to 'fish' in Valencia, while Xabi Alonso's future depends on Villa is the headline

http://translate.google.co.uk/translate?hl=en&sl=es&u=http://www.marca.com/&ei=GO5JSsOWCoOZjAeQuMioBA&sa=X&oi=translate&resnum=1&ct=result&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dmarca%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DG

What's wrong with them all FFS?  

We're one of the strongest teams in Europe since Rafa took charge. The gaffer has a plan, he is creating a fantastic team that is starting to challenge seriously on the domestic level. They (the players) have the extreme chance to be playing for such a prestigious club as ours, are they so blind that they can't see the progress we're making and the probability of top silverware on the horizon?

I'm f**king sick to death of defending them. Torres has shown the example - if you're happy where you are, come out and say it, the fans will adore and revere you. If you aren't happy then just bloody put in a transfer request. I love our Spanish lads, they've helped us progress, but if they're homesick I'll wish them all the best, as I'm sure most decent fans would.

What's really f**king me off though is all this fawning up to the Spanish clubs!   We've kicked their arses in the Champion's League, we've shown that we're better organised and have better spirit.

If they think they're going to a bigger club then let them, but do it above board and with honesty. With respect for the fans.

To be honest, I have a lot more respect for Arbeloa who says he's homesick, at least he has an understandable reason. It's time for Xabi and Masch to decide where their priorities lie.

Alonso and Mascherano can leave for all I care. Liverpool will win the title with or without them. Tired of these two players acting the way they're doing right now. Couldn't care less if they stayed or left.

If they choose to leave, we will use the money to buy quality players; so they can go. It is a WIN-WIN situation for Liverpool FC. Anyone who thinks we can not do without those ungrateful two needs to go back to school and learn more about the club.

I find it rather stupid Alonso would even Consider Real Madrid when all the noises coming from there are basically saying he is there second option we'll buy  you Xabi but only if we don't get Villa what sort of message is that saying to the player  ?

Alonso and Mascherano can leave for all I care. Liverpool will win the title with or without them. Tired of these two players acting the way they're doing right now. Couldn't care less if they stayed or left.

If they choose to leave, we will use the money to buy quality players; so they can go. It is a WIN-WIN situation for Liverpool FC. Anyone who thinks we can not do without those ungrateful two needs to go back to the drawing board and learn more about the club.

Yeah maybe we could do it without them, but the fact of the matter is that they have both been here for several years now and they know what it is to play for Liverpool and the players know exactly what they are about.

To bring two new central midfielders in could mean that we need to wait longer once again for the team to gel. I'd prefer them to stay than get money for them and buy new players.

Having said that though, if that's the way it is then there isn't much you can do really is there.

Torres for captain when Gerrard retires?

Now, selling Alonso to fund a deal for barry was plain wrong, but if we could keep Mash and sell Alonso to raise the money for Villa, that would soften the blow. Think Benitez has his poker face on.

I'm starting to get f**king excited now though. Torres sounds like a man on a mission.

I think all the lads now think United are only going to go downhill and it's our time to take their place as champions.

He's right though and I hope the lads listen to him. I think some of our players could take a leaf out of Torres' book at times.

Totally agree with you there Ross as now they have both forged an understanding with each other on the pitch and it could take a couple of seasons for two new signings to replicate that, I only see letting them leave at this point after the progression we have made as a backwards step. I would love to be proved wrong if this is the road we are forced into going down. But for progression we really need to keep hold of these two

Now, selling Alonso to fund a deal for barry was plain wrong, but if we could keep Mash and sell Alonso to raise the money for Villa, that would soften the blow. Think Benitez has his poker face on.

Aye that would be superb actually.

Reina, Johnson, Carragher, Agger, Insua, Kuyt, Gerrard, Mascherano, Riera, Torres, Villa

Ooh baby.

Torres for captain when Gerrard retires?

I would agree with that

Rafa and Torres the only spaniard's with passion for Liverpool at the minute the rest are too tempted by Real Madrid

Reina?

All this talk that only Reina, Benitez and Torres are commited to the club and all the other Spaniards aren't is a bit exaggerated because we have only two other first-team spaniards, in Alonso and Arbeloa. 

And Riera, who as far as I know seems happy.

Torres shouldn't insist we keep our star players when the Masch/Alonso situation is so delicate. If they do leave is he going to get the hump and want out to? It only adds pressure on Rafa to keep 2 players who I personally think want out. If they are sold Rafa will do his best to replace them and hell need Carragher Gerrard and Torres to be positive and back him.

Torres shouldn't insist we keep our star players when the Masch/Alonso situation is so delicate. If they do leave is he going to get the hump and want out to? It only adds pressure on Rafa to keep 2 players who I personally think want out. If they are sold Rafa will do his best to replace them and hell need Carragher Gerrard and Torres to be positive and back him.

Agreed but also he's speaking off potential signings Villa Silva And Mata could he have insider information from Arbeloa and Alonso that they are leaving for sure and he's touting these names as replacements ?

Torres isn't a stupid person, he knows without the likes of Alonso and Mascherano this clubs chances of winning the league or the champions league are going to be much harder, where will that leave people like Torres if we take such a backward step, his loyalty will then be tested because it looks as there is a chance of losing both.

Difference is with Torres I think if you placed a contract in front of him now to pretty much end his career here he would with out doubt sign it. If only Xabi and Mash would do the same but in all fairness it could all be about wages maybe Xabi wants a pay rise so the %33 tax does not hit his millions so badly, maybe Masch feels wages wise he should be on a level playing field as he certainly is in his importance and maybe just maybe they are just playing Real Madrid & Barcelona to get their Increase. I certainly hope so as it seems funny Xabi would bring that %33 tax thing up the more I think about it.

Torres should just say it to Xabi's face! F**k. I always thought the older people should be the ones leading the pack. Xabi is like at the same level as SG and Carra now. But he still need his youngest conutry man to tell him to stay! Torres been here for only 2 years, we feel like he grow up in Liverpool. Xabi been here for 5 years now, and he act like he don't give a F**k about it.

Torres should just say it to Xabi's face! F**k. I always thought the older people should be the ones leading the pack. Xabi is like at the same level as SG and Carra now. But he still need his youngest conutry man to tell him to stay! Torres been here for only 2 years, we feel like he grow up in Liverpool. Xabi been here for 5 years now, and he act like he don't give a f**k about it.

Biggest load of bollocks I've heard. To claim he isn't committed to the club is sh*te, he has given us 5 years here and despite having the piss taken out of him last year by Benitez and the press claiming the the great Gareth Barry was to replace him, he just shrugged it off and took the piss out of his doubters with the best season yet. And now it all surfaces again, with Madrid in the hunt instead of Juve. And just like last year we hear nothing about whats going to happen with him.

I wouldn't blame him if he left after the way he has been treated. Xabi has had the respect of the club and fans to never respond to the rumours and go cry to the press about how he has been treated.

But, He keep saying its Rafa's choice to sell him or not. But Rafa already said he don't want sell. It just sound not right.

But, He keep saying its Rafa's choice to sell him or not. But Rafa already said he don't want sell. It just sound not right.

at the end of the day it is Rafa's decision to sell or not sell and Xabi knows that if he goes best of luck to him hopefully we can get some one of equal class to replace him. But if he Rafa decides not to sell him it wont affect Alonso or his performances as he is the ultimate professional

The way i see things if Alonso wants to go let him,Rafa wanted rid of him last year so he could try & get Barry.Loyalty works both ways in football.I would love for Alonso to stay but it looks unlikely.He is replaceable,the team moves on.
Masch should remember that Rafa saved him from his West Ham nightmare,ok he has said he`s flattered by Real`s & Barca`s intrest in him - however he has also said he is happy at Liverpool.

I would like nothing more than for both players too stay & i think Masch will,however it is pointless to try & keep a player who wants to go.

The way I see it is that they would both be stupid to leave career wise sure run off to spain to get paid some more or perhaps in Xabi's case it's to return home or increase chances of international selection or they both think that they will go to win trophies. IMO they'll wanna come back after not to long of course I could be wrong but I can't see either getting much success.

Madrid I reckon will have the same problems that city will have too many new signings causing them to not gel and too many egos which will hinder an already tough assignment in knocking barca off the top. Barca sure it's always highly likely that they will win trophies but there style of play does not suit masch at all they are an extremely attack minded team and masch lacks those qualities and he'll probably end up on the bench or worse.

If they want to go let them we all thought it was the end of the world when owen left and the following season we won the Champions League it may be more difficult without them but we can still win number 19 because as long as we've got Gerrard, Carra, Torres, and Reina we are a massive threat not to mention we have a manager whose made a few shrewd transfers in his time and will almost certainly have replacements lined up if they do go.

very true if we let to many stars go masch ,alonso we could fall behind need a good striker to compliment torres. torres has played a lot of games in off season. so we need a good striker re crouch,mccarthy,carew for when torres is injured

Come on Fernando, you hate Real, let Xabi know the F**k why!

Is Torres the only Spaniard at Anfield who has his head screwed on the right way around?

Possibly.

Fernando is our unofficial squad spokesman.

It's great we've finally got someone rallying on the team to keep hold of two of our best players.  We never had that a few years a go, no one would bat an eyelid.

I think a lack of transfer gossip for players in the midfield position is a positive indication that neither Alonso or Masch will be leaving this summer because if Rafa was planning to sell he would already be lining up replacements and if Alonso or Masch had shown any serious intentions of leaving Liverpool again Rafa would be looking to replace them.Both players have stated they are happy at Liverpool and Rafa has stated he wants them to stay so i think lets leave it at that and take them all for their word.

Fernando is our unofficial squad spokesman.

It's great we've finally got someone rallying on the team to keep hold of two of our best players.  We never had that a few years a go, no one would bat an eyelid.

Ay mate, agreed. Disappointed we havent heard of Steven as much as Fernando. Steven needs to reassure everyone just how close we are. He's been here through the tough times when we fell away and he knows we arent far away from being something big, we just need to keep everyone. For once we are spoken as true title-challengers, i dont remember that happening in my life. Carra, too. They're more knowledgeable than the others as to how much progress we have made.

If the worlds best striker says the only place he wants to play is Anfield, then i think Xabi and Masch should have a listen to him. He knows we are on the brink of greatness, wish these guys did to.

I agree with Torres.

It'd be the 3rd/4th year that the first team has actually played together and there is great understanding.
Letting our current players would mean new players enter and we have to start from scratch.
I may be mistaken but look at the Arsenal of 2004~. Henry and co were a huge force then.

Like Fernando said, keep the stars and add new players.

I think a lack of transfer gossip for players in the midfield position is a positive indication that neither Alonso or Masch will be leaving this summer because if Rafa was planning to sell he would already be lining up replacements and if Alonso or Masch had shown any serious intentions of leaving Liverpool again Rafa would be looking to replace them.Both players have stated they are happy at Liverpool and Rafa has stated he wants them to stay so I think lets leave it at that and take them all for their word.

In all honesty mate its not only midfielders where there is lack of transfer gossip, Rafa has said he wants everything done in secret tansfer wise and that is exactly what seems to be happening.

As for any one trying to second guess Rafa on his potential transfers targets it would probably be easier getting their leg over at a nunnery prom night. Rafa is keeping his card close to his chest and playing his hand his own way, this may also apply for players leaving ? who's to know ? Fair play to Torres though insisting we should keep our best players its the only way to go if we want to make a natural progression.

Difference is with Torres I think if you placed a contract in front of him now to pretty much end his career here he would with out doubt sign it. If only Xabi and Mash would do the same but in all fairness it could all be about wages maybe Xabi wants a pay rise so the %33 tax does not hit his millions so badly, maybe Masch feels wages wise he should be on a level playing field as he certainly is in his importance and maybe just maybe they are just playing Real Madrid & Barcelona to get their Increase. I certainly hope so as it seems funny Xabi would bring that %33 tax thing up the more I think about it.

Mascherano is one of our top 5 important players, his salary doesnt justify that (in football terms). He isnt one of the biggest earners at the club and he should be. I agree with him for not being happy and who wouldn't if there were players that are earning more than you but aren't as good? I know i would be demanding for more. Hope Rafa manages to get an improved contract infront of him.

Just on the quoteable Torres- I'm a bit preturbed by the fact he's publicly 'recommending' players to Rafa. What happens if we can't get them? I hope this isn't the top of a slippery slope, a la Vieira, Henry, Ronaldo et al

Just on the quoteable Torres- I'm a bit preturbed by the fact he's publicly 'recommending' players to Rafa. What happens if we can't get them? I hope this isn't the top of a slippery slope, a la Vieira, Henry, Ronaldo et al

Being honest, I think we're in a bit of a better situation than we were in previously.

And Torres didn't necessarily say 'Rafa, go and get them please.' He suggested that players of their calibre and style would be ideal for our squad, although they would be the best options possible at the minute.