Robbie staying given Rafas comments today

Spike · April 12, 2006

"We are really happy with Robbie and he is working really hard, but you need to know exactly how many top-class strikers you need to win trophies or if Robbie is that type of top-class striker," Benítez said. "There is no doubt that Robbie is a top-class player, but you also need qualities in the team like pace and stamina if you want to win trophies.

"If you have a player like Robbie then you know what his qualities are, but you need to know what his performances will be like all season.

"It is not easy to find better players than Robbie. And it is difficult to find anyone with the passion he has for this club. But maybe you could find three top-class strikers who are 23 years of age and can score goals and have pace, and then you have to think. I have been talking to Robbie and we are not in a hurry, and he knows why. He knows he needs to improve and in which areas."

Taken from a quote on RAWK.

To me it sounds like Rafa wants to keep Robbie on his toes and make sure he doesn't sink into old ways and habits. A way of driving him on cos from what we have seen so far he has been fuelled by the comeback to anfield and will need more if and when he gets the contract.

I get the feeling that Robbie can quite quickly get into a comfort zone - once he feels he's got his contract he'll take his foot off the pedal. There have been a couple of interviews that have left me with that impression to be honest. That he's working for the contract, I mean he's already a Liverpool legend and you can't be one twice over surely? to retire at the club where he is adored. By the same token I feel that Rafa is looking beyond that for Robbie and knows if he can get fit then he has a f***ing demon on his hands. Rafa doesn't want a fit Man City Fowler. He wants a fit LFC Fowler.

Robbie's trying his a*** off during games, for sure, but I get the feeling that Raf wants to see how much Robbie wants it long term. It might be there in application at the moment but not 100% there in attitude.

April 12, 2006