Will pako return?

[scousejeff]

Was in the Sandon after the game lastnite,got talking to a mate of mine whos a steward in the main stand, according to him pako was at the game last nite and reckons he could be coming back...suppose we will all have to wait and see, but Benitez needs a well respected number 2....

No chance.

[Bob Spunkmouse]

i was listening to Radio City after the game in the car and they mentioned that he was there. He seems to come back a lot this season, hes been at the academy hasnt he, and at a few reserve/youth cup games, so it might be a possibility.

at the very least it would seem that his relationship with rafa must be back on track, which is good even if he never returns, they should be strong allies and be able to offer each other help and advice on a more general level as they must obviously be good for one another after all the years they have spent together.

[rua]

Yea, I'd have to say that there's little chance myself. Rafa was recently quoted as saying that there was little between them anymore after claims of disloyalty. I was looking for the specific quotes but can't find them, yet...

[scousejeff]

I remember at the time they fell out over pako being friendly with mourinio...you never know, they might have sorted out there differences..maybe pako feels he was too hasty in wanting to leave., i think the players would love him back, you only ever hear good stuff about him

[rua]

This piece comes from kop-tv.com, I don't know how reliable they are, but it is definitely very interesting if true:

The rumours around the ground were suggesting Pako Ayesteran and Rafael Benitez had put their differences aside and that the recent good atmosphere was nothing to do with the rumours that Rafa was to extend his contract. Pako was seen on the pitch at the final whistle congratulating both Fernando and Stevie.

linky

It really would be excellent if true, but I still think that ship has sailed.

[Sutty]

I have heard Sammy Lee will be Rafa's no. 2 from next season. Maybe Pako will be Sammy's no. 2

[baza]

Originally Posted by rua This piece comes from kop-tv.com, I don't know how reliable they are, but it is definitely very interesting if true: The rumours around the ground were suggesting Pako Ayesteran and Rafael Benitez had put their differences aside and that the recent good atmosphere was nothing to do with the rumours that Rafa was to extend his contract. Pako was seen on the pitch at the final whistle congratulating both Fernando and Stevie. linky

I think they are going off this picture but its not Pako - its Victor Salinas.

[jackofdk]

SG: Itz for you darling, it could go well with the flowers on your patio.

Torres: Ta. (What a poof.)

[rua]

Originally Posted by baza I think they are going off this picture but its not Pako - its Victor Salinas.

wouldn't surprise me in the slightest

[RSM]

Rafa interview with El Mundo ahead of the match against Chelsea

Interviewer: In this area,you no longer work with Paco Ayestarán, who negotiated with Athletic, Barça and finally Real Sociedad to leave your side. Are you disappointed in the way he left?

Rafa: I am very disappointed. When you put your blind faith on somebody and they disappoint you as a person, the professional aspect loses all value, it’s secondary. Sometimes the desire for power changes people. I would like to keep all the good memories but the whole situation was a surprise.

[Top of the Kop]

Originally Posted by RSM Rafa interview with El Mundo ahead of the match against Chelsea Interviewer: In this area,you no longer work with Paco Ayestarán, who negotiated with Athletic, Barça and finally Real Sociedad to leave your side. Are you disappointed in the way he left? Rafa: I am very disappointed. When you put your blind faith on somebody and they disappoint you as a person, the professional aspect loses all value, it’s secondary. Sometimes the desire for power changes people. I would like to keep all the good memories but the whole situation was a surprise.

thats a no then...

[RSM]

Originally Posted by Top of the Kop thats a no then...

Never say never.

[gatnick]

Nothing worse than your best mate fucking you over, all that trust gone!
I would like to know what actually happened rather than just these rumours...

[RSM]

Originally Posted by gatnick Nothing worse than your best mate fucking you over, all that trust gone! I would like to know what actually happened rather than just these rumours...

I think the above is hardly a rumour.

Rafa confirms that Pako was negotiating with several clubs behind his back.

[dave u]

They've both got their own version of what happened.

Rafa thinks Pako was being disloyal by talking to other clubs and not telling him.

Pako thinks he had no choice but to do it because he couldn't work with some of the people Rafa brought in. When the backroom team was Rafa, Pako, Paco, Ocho and Frank McP everything was great, they were a close unit who worked well together.

Paco Herrera left, Eduardo Macia was brought in and that's when all the problems started. Ocho left too, and then so did Frankie. That left Rafa, Pako and the people Rafa brought in. Pako had big problems with Macia (who's in charge of scouting and bringing players in), and I think he had problems with at least one of the others.

Pako was very close to some of the players, especially Xabi and Gerrard as well I believe. There's been talk that Rafa's recent problems with Alonso are because Xabi is still friendly with Pako and Xabi's missus was photographed with Pako's wife at Kewell's baby shower. I don't think Rafa would be that petty, but who knows.

It's one of those things, I don't think Pako should be portrayed as a bad guy, and I don't think Rafa should either. Shit happens, sometimes it's unavoidable.

[real red]

If only they'd had some counselling first, none of this might have happened.

And why does Kewell have a baby shower? Surely he'd suffer less injuries if he washed in a full size one.

[bobhorse]

Might be Jose's No 2 next season

[RSM]

Haven't they been bezzy mates for years, why didn't Pako just say "eh rafa lad, i can't work these cunts you've bought in. They're doing me head in, I'm gonna start looking for another job, for sure" ?

[bigredruss]

Originally Posted by RSM Haven't they been bezzy mates for years, why didn't Pako just say "eh rafa lad, i can't work these cunts you've bought in. They're doing me head in, I'm gonna start looking for another job, for sure" ?

it would have made sence if he had, i wish he would

[Deadlogic]

Originally Posted by dave u There's been talk that Rafa's recent problems with Alonso are because Xabi is still friendly with Pako and Xabi's missus was photographed with Pako's wife at Kewell's baby shower.

Evertonian taxi drivers eh. (oh, and possibly the most "camp"/shit LFC rumour I've heard )

[RoboRiise]

Originally Posted by RSM Haven't they been bezzy mates for years, why didn't Pako just say "eh rafa lad, i can't work these cunts you've bought in. They're doing me head in, I'm gonna start looking for another job, for sure" ?

He probably did - I can't see Rafa and Pako having a lovers tiff because Pako thought some of the staff were dickheads but Rafa's known for expecting 100% commitment. I imagine the day the music died was when his most trusted lieutenant mentioned that he might have to look for another job, or when Rafa found out he'd started doing it.

That post from Dave is illuminating. Macia is in charge of scouting and transfers and iirc it was reported at the time that amongst other things, Pako and Rafa clashed over signing Babel (either at the price we paid, or at all - I don't recall.) I get the picture.

[AngryofTuebrook]

Originally Posted by baza I think they are going off this picture but its not Pako - its Victor Salinas.

Bloody foreigners - all look the same to me!

[Count Morfeo]

Are we talking about Paco the forumite? Could be some interesting team selections.