As for Rafa, any research into his past would teel you that he likes players to be hungry (not literally) and all he is trying to do is to ensure that Robbie keeps working as hard as he can to get the contract. Rafa will have had his doubts about a player whose past was a bit chequered and will want to make sure for himself that he is definitley over that period in his life and wants to dedicate himself to his football. And I don't think anyone (supporters) is in any doubt that is the case - I think he would do whatever was asked of him to get the contract.
Put it this way, Rafa has a good (possibly very good) goalscorer on the books who loves the club with a passion, who is adored by the fans, who won't cost a fee and who won't ask for silly wages for playing - what would you do? Rafa may be many things but he isn't stupid - I believe it is almost certain that Rafa will offer the contract and Robbie will sign it before Rafa has finished talking!!
cushty
However, Benitez added: "Robbie is top class, no doubt about it, but you also need pace and stamina levels if you want to win trophies. Slightly disappointed with that considering with have nando and crouch on the books. Why get him fit and then let another club benefit from him, that could come back and haunt us! Stop the mind games rafa give him a contract, Robbie could still end up our leading goal scorer in the premiership out of our 4 strikers.
red-rage
I don't think Benitez was hinting at an exit, more he was saying... 'Look Robbie, we have had you since January, but every time I play you, your nackered after 60 minutes. If you want to play at Liverpool, I need someone who is fit, strong, and can last 90 minutes.'
Fowler has undoubtedly been working hard of late to improve fitness, but he has still faded badly. If he no longer has the capacity to improve, then its best to have him off the wage bill so we can bring some new blood in.
Robbies salary is circa £35k per week - we offer him two years, thats over 3.6m - thats a large investment, and personally, I like to look to long term investment, which Robbie may not be.
sheggers
the point made about speed and stamina is a valid one, but considering that we have one of the quickest strikers in the league, cisse, but cannot control a ball and has the touch of a JCB, and we have two of the slowest strikers in crouch and morientes.
Fowler must be signed by rafa, although I thought fowler had a poor game sunday other than his goal, his overall contribution to the games he has played in has been very good. He is scoring goals and linking up well with the rest of the team. It would be a very poor decision if fowler was released.
El moro 19
Robbie was the only person to score against Bolton at the weekend, that is proof to me, that he should stay, even if only for the cup competitions or against lesser teams. Use the others or younger ones to deal with the harder teams where pace is needed. There were a few times when Harry was there for a cross, where were the strikers? I still believe experience counts a lot, he knows where he has to be to score the goals. I remember someone saying that strikers are there to score goals, that is what Robbie has done. Now look at Nando! I rest my case! Would Robbie be OK with a bit part at his favourite club or more games at say Portsmouth (if they stay up)? Maybe Portsmouth was not the right team, but you get my drift.
captainred
I think people need to realise that Robbie isnt the type of player that can chase the ball over the top any more or run around like Rocky chasing the chicken in Rocky 2.
Over the years, due to injury, Robbie has turned into the Teddy Sheringham/Dennis Bergkamp/jari Litmanen/Zola/Peter Beardsley type player. (by this i mean, play a little deeper than the main striker, im not comparing Beardsley with Sheringham)
These players never run as much as the speed merchant player and they conserve their energy. Since Robbie has returned, he has been chasing down the defenders, the keeper and every loose ball, perhaps where he shouldnt be. The reason he is doing this is because he wants to show how much he is trying to play for the club he loves. This being the sole reason he is hammered by 65 minutes.
Robbie himself knows exactly what he can do, but trying too hard might cost him.
Anyway, my point is this, all of the above players, playing in the deeper position, all play/played well into their mid 30's and Teddy is now 40 and nowhere near the quality of Robbie, so if you're talking about investing in the future, i think there are plenty years left in Robbie yet.
I know he has had injuries, but he is looking after himself now.
stevethesinger
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