All Hail Rafa's Rotation

[Neil Young]

I think the main reason for the poor performance initially was due to the fact that we had many new players and that we once again did not have a proper pre season to prepare properly. It was our World Cup stars like Gerrard, Alonso and even Carragher that started poorly that contributed to the poor start. They all had extra time off after the World Cup. United who had less players at World Cup started with a Bang. Chelski and Arsenal also battled

Rafa's rotation policy has been proven to be effective. It's the third time now that we are finishing strongly. Combined with a decent start we'll see the full effect of it.

I dont think we'll see to many new faces next season and combined with the First proper pre season since Rafa has taken over, I expect us to start much better

I think the World Cup point often gets overlooked.

Because I think he's an arch-pragmatist, I'm sure Rafa will have learnt something about rotation early in the season, about striking the right balance between keeping players fresh and getting a good start, but I think once he has factored in the advantages of the players having a proper rest the strategy probably won't look a lot different from this season.

[Marshy]

The point is, it doesnt matter if you're fresher near the end, if you're 20 odd points behind by then. The damage has been done.

My philosophy would be get the points on the board ASAP and then if people are knackered near the end, you just try and work around it when (if) it happens.

100% Agree.

There's nothing wrong with a little rotation here and there but c'mon surely we all must agree Rafa does go a bit too heavily on it.

[Xabi_is_God]

Good post.

"All hail" it? When we havent even been IN the title race?

Erm....no.

I dont think our poor start had much to do with rotation. the team wasnt playing well. in particular, Gerrard, Carragher and Alonso - our 3 key players. The new players didnt start off too well either i.e. Pennant.
However now with these players in form and the two new excellent January signings our team is stronger and we are seeing better individual performances.

Rafa's rotation policy means everyone is fit and in good form. My whole point of the post is that we are in top shape to take on the Chavs and Rafa's rotation has played a big part.

As i said, BRING ON THE CHAVS