Last night I had hoped to get my thoughts out about this Kuwait interest and the reports from Spain that Rafa Benitez and up to six Liverpool players could leave the club if he was forced out but I was just snowed under, so please accept my apologies for the delay.
AL-KHARAFI TAKEOVER TALKS
I don't know about you but I'm sick to the back teeth of having to endure reports of takeover talks. Even if we were taken over by someone else I wouldn't celebrate because as proven when the Americans came in, what they say at the time may not come to fruition. I don't trust any of the [oops].
My understand is that the Al Kharafi family have not yet been offered the opportunity to buy out both George Gillett and Tom Hicks. A majority stake is not on the agenda during these initial talks but that could of course change. For now it sounds to me that Tom Hicks is at the very least trying to find a buyer for George Gillett's holding or some kind of investment to help fund the new stadium.
Both men would rather hold onto the club until a new stadium is built because they know the increases in revenue and valuation would be huge. But the pressure is on to sell as time is running out to refinance their loans. The Al Kharafi family know they have the upperhand because the banks are closing in on the American duo so they could make a cheeky bid for a majority holding despite Hicks not wanting that.
As the only Liverpool FC website that was invited to both Hicks and Gillett's set-ups in Montreal and Dallas when they took control of the club, we're lucky in that while out there, we made friends with some interesting people who still keep us updated with a few bits and pieces. Don't get me wrong we're not continually told big secrets but we are kept in the loop regarding their feelings and intentions.
For the record we do not support the way these men run our club. Like everyone else, we did think they were going to be the best thing since sliced bread when they came in but seeing the debt piled on the club and the ongoing treatment of Rafa Benitez, well it just doesn't sit right with us. Ironically we're challenging for the Premier League under them but if we miss out this season I will blame the off-the-pitch distractions and the lack of money made available for January signings. Glen Johnson and Antonio Valencia are what I'm referring to here.
What is clear about the Kuwait news is that someone leaked these developments to various media outlets all at the same time. It's worth nothing that the excellent Oliver Kay was one of the first on the scene.
Rather than wonder if anything will come of this, I would advise you ask who would have leaked this and why. Who does is strengthen?
RAFA'S EXIT PLAN & TORRES SAY HE AND AT LEAST 5 OTHERS WOULD WALK IF RAFA LEAVES
I touched on this yesterday morning as Spain was blitzed with talk that the club's owners had told the Benitez camp that they would not negotiate his contract. This led to claims that the manager's agent was now actively looking at other employment opportunities for season 2009-10.
Fernando Torres was also quoted this week as saying at least six players including himself would quit Anfield if Benitez was forced out, which the manager feels they are trying to do. Fernando said: "Si él se va, se irán seis más del club" which translated into English is: "If he goes then six more will follow behind him."
The naive came out fighting that it was just a load of [oops]. Thankfully Guillem Balague published an article later in the day backing up what was been said over here in Spain and adding his own thoughts. If you haven't read what he said, you must. Check yesterday's KopTalk news items. There's a lot more on what was said yesterday on our members-only website.
Both Guillem and ourselves touched on the forthcoming presidency elections at Real Madrid. Both he and myself believe that at least one candidate will try and sell themselves by promising to recruit Rafa Benitez in the summer. But I believe Florentino Pérez will return to the club and he will favour the appointment of Arsene Wenger.
Because of the Real Madrid presidency you are going to see a lot of references to Rafa Benitez so it's important to remember that the presidency campaigns will be running and they'll be claiming all sorts, not just about Rafa but also players.
I don't believe Rafa Benitez will leave Anfield. Not as of today's date anyway. Although I don't have free time to attend protests, I can assure you that if Rafa did walk that I'll be the first one outside Anfield.
What's annoying about it all is these people just see money. To people like you and me, it's our lives. Yes there are casual fans but some people live for Liverpool FC. Seeing someone tear apart the club, especially when we have a strongest chance of winning the league in a long time, is heart breaking.
If you really do want to see Rafa Benitez stay at Anfield then you must do your bit. Make it known on whatever Liverpool websites you visit. Email the national and local media. Get your voice heard and keep the pressure up.
Dunk
