Benitez: It’s time for us to talk

[Los Rojos]

I hadn't really followed this story in the news as I though it was another case of the usual bi-annual 'Rafa to Madrid' headlines.

I'm not sure now.

It's somewhat concerning that Rafa is still seeking assurances from Hicks and Gillett on certain points. The 'investement saga' is now over and this is where we are for the forseeable future. If Rafa is not happy with the direction H & G want to go in and/ or the lack of finance available for team strengthening (and I've no reason to believe this, other than what I've read on this thread) then I can see him walking.

We'd be in trouble then. A new man to come in with his own ideas and another change in personnel would set us back at least another 2 seasons in terms of winning the Premiership.

[Lecter]

"It is not a question of money. It is a question of keep going in the right direction."


If you want to go in the right direction then it's a question of money.

Money is only part of the solution and Rafa's requirement imo

I think you are seeing Rafa playing a lot of internal politics out in the open here

I think Rafa wants total control of the footballing side of the club (from top to bottom) including the Academy etc....

Bascombes article in the Football Echo alluded to this and stated that managers had often been prevented in the recent past from assuming a position of "total power". Bascombe also stated that Houllier was extremely powerful at the club and sought to gain control over many other departments within the club but the board stopped him in his tracks, Bascombe believes Rafa is trying to influence other departments in a similar way and that there is a fine line between / balancing act being played with by the board - thats why I believe the 50/50 comment was mentioned

If Rafa stays hes gonna be in a VERY powerful position and the board must temper their decision of keeping "one of the best coaches in the world" with the consequence that he might have too much power and be difficult to control

[AFII]

It's only good to have a manager that have total control from top to bottom IMO.

Fergie has that at Man U, Wenger at Arsenal and Maureen had that before this season.

That means that he can sign the players that will fit into his system and get them used to it from the start.

Of course you can get a problem if the manager is like Houllier and only listens to himself if you allow him to much power but Rafa isn't like that so I can't see a problem if Rafa gets total control of the footballing side.