When the Liverpool boss hauled off his skipper in the Merseyside derby, Reds fans saw the move as a humiliating mistake. A few weeks on and those same critics are conspicuous by their silence.
'The substitution of Gerrard is arguably Rafa’s most unpopular decision to date. In my view, it is also the Spaniard’s bravest and most brilliant decision since arriving at Anfield' When Steven Gerrard was surprisingly hauled off by Rafa Benitez in the recent Merseyside derby and replaced by the inexperienced Brazilian Lucas Leiva, fans and pundits across the globe were aghast at what was perceived to be a humiliating mistake.
For millions, Gerrard is untouchable and beyond criticism, and substituting Liverpool’s captain against arch-rivals Everton was seen as an act of treason.
Despite this, Liverpool went on to win the game, with Gerrard’s replacement playing an integral role in securing the penalty that won the game. This did not appease the masses, though, and the knives came out for Rafa.
The sniping attitude of the press was ‘'Liverpool won, but it was still the wrong decision'’. Gerrard was clearly not happy with Rafa’s judgement and publicly stated that he was ‘'going to have a word with the manager'’.
Rafa further infuriated Gerrard’s huge fan base by suggesting that the Liverpool skipper needed to play more intelligently: "We needed to play with our brains and not with our heart. We needed to pass the ball better," he said.
This withering retort from Rafa was greeted with venom by fans and pundits alike, who could not comprehend the logic behind removing Gerrard from the field while leaving on Momo Sissoko, a player not renowned for incisive passing.
At the time, I supported Rafa, arguing that Liverpool fans should be rejoicing because the club now had a manager who was strong enough to do things his way and deflect the twin critical assault of misguided, sheep-like fans and the clichéd, agenda-driven media.
It’s no understatement to suggest that the substitution of Gerrard is arguably Rafa’s most unpopular decision to date. In my view, it is also the Spaniard’s bravest and most brilliant decision since arriving at Anfield.
Prior to the Everton game, Liverpool had drawn five of their previous ten games and were playing dull, uninspiring football. Gerrard had managed just one goal in those ten games, and his form, by his own admission, was nowhere near up to scratch.
Blame it on injuries, blame it on England, blame it on whatever – the club captain was not playing well at all, and this was reflected in Liverpool’s turgid form. Rafa’s masterstroke against Everton changed all that. Gerrard was shaken from his comfort zone and given a symbolic warning: ''Pull your weight or you’re out''.
The substitution shocked Gerrard into action, and since then, he has been in superb form for Liverpool, scoring eight goals in nine games while providing six assists. This is an excellent return from the skipper, and if he continues in this vein, he’s definitely on course to pass the 20-goal barrier this season.
This massive improvement in Gerrard’s form is no coincidence, and Rafa deserves infinite credit for having the guts and sheer chutzpah to make such an unpopular decision in a vital, high-pressure game. Great managers are not afraid to take risks and do not pander to egos or rank.
A similar situation occurred in 2002, when after an insipid first-half performance in the Champions League against FC Basle, Gerrard was criticised publicly by Gerard Houllier. Liverpool were 3-0 down at half-time, and Houllier replaced Gerrard for the second half with Salif Diao.
The difference between that situation and the current one is Gerrard’s response. After being slammed by Houllier, Gerrard’s form dipped even more, and it took him a good couple of months to show signs of regaining his best form. But the player's positive response this time round is a testament to how he has matured.
I don't believe Gerrard is world class. Indeed, if it were down to me, I would sell him and use the money to buy real world-class creative players. However, this does not mean that I do not appreciate his contribution to Liverpool. But the bulk of my respect is reserved for ‘Rafa the Merciless’. His inspired decision was a case of the means justifying the end and I hope Rafa retains this fearless approach.
Players should be in the team if they are performing well. If they are not, they should be replaced. It's a simple philosophy, and one which Rafa seems to embrace. Except in the case of Peter Crouch. But that's another article
think the lad makes some great points early doors, although goes a bit pear shaped towards the end!!
'The substitution of Gerrard is arguably Rafa’s most unpopular decision to date. In my view, it is also the Spaniard’s bravest and most brilliant decision since arriving at Anfield' When Steven Gerrard was surprisingly hauled off by Rafa Benitez in the recent Merseyside derby and replaced by the inexperienced Brazilian Lucas Leiva, fans and pundits across the globe were aghast at what was perceived to be a humiliating mistake.
For millions, Gerrard is untouchable and beyond criticism, and substituting Liverpool’s captain against arch-rivals Everton was seen as an act of treason.
Despite this, Liverpool went on to win the game, with Gerrard’s replacement playing an integral role in securing the penalty that won the game. This did not appease the masses, though, and the knives came out for Rafa.
The sniping attitude of the press was ‘'Liverpool won, but it was still the wrong decision'’. Gerrard was clearly not happy with Rafa’s judgement and publicly stated that he was ‘'going to have a word with the manager'’.
Rafa further infuriated Gerrard’s huge fan base by suggesting that the Liverpool skipper needed to play more intelligently: "We needed to play with our brains and not with our heart. We needed to pass the ball better," he said.
This withering retort from Rafa was greeted with venom by fans and pundits alike, who could not comprehend the logic behind removing Gerrard from the field while leaving on Momo Sissoko, a player not renowned for incisive passing.
At the time, I supported Rafa, arguing that Liverpool fans should be rejoicing because the club now had a manager who was strong enough to do things his way and deflect the twin critical assault of misguided, sheep-like fans and the clichéd, agenda-driven media.
It’s no understatement to suggest that the substitution of Gerrard is arguably Rafa’s most unpopular decision to date. In my view, it is also the Spaniard’s bravest and most brilliant decision since arriving at Anfield.
Prior to the Everton game, Liverpool had drawn five of their previous ten games and were playing dull, uninspiring football. Gerrard had managed just one goal in those ten games, and his form, by his own admission, was nowhere near up to scratch.
Blame it on injuries, blame it on England, blame it on whatever – the club captain was not playing well at all, and this was reflected in Liverpool’s turgid form. Rafa’s masterstroke against Everton changed all that. Gerrard was shaken from his comfort zone and given a symbolic warning: ''Pull your weight or you’re out''.
The substitution shocked Gerrard into action, and since then, he has been in superb form for Liverpool, scoring eight goals in nine games while providing six assists. This is an excellent return from the skipper, and if he continues in this vein, he’s definitely on course to pass the 20-goal barrier this season.
This massive improvement in Gerrard’s form is no coincidence, and Rafa deserves infinite credit for having the guts and sheer chutzpah to make such an unpopular decision in a vital, high-pressure game. Great managers are not afraid to take risks and do not pander to egos or rank.
A similar situation occurred in 2002, when after an insipid first-half performance in the Champions League against FC Basle, Gerrard was criticised publicly by Gerard Houllier. Liverpool were 3-0 down at half-time, and Houllier replaced Gerrard for the second half with Salif Diao.
The difference between that situation and the current one is Gerrard’s response. After being slammed by Houllier, Gerrard’s form dipped even more, and it took him a good couple of months to show signs of regaining his best form. But the player's positive response this time round is a testament to how he has matured.
I don't believe Gerrard is world class. Indeed, if it were down to me, I would sell him and use the money to buy real world-class creative players. However, this does not mean that I do not appreciate his contribution to Liverpool. But the bulk of my respect is reserved for ‘Rafa the Merciless’. His inspired decision was a case of the means justifying the end and I hope Rafa retains this fearless approach.
Players should be in the team if they are performing well. If they are not, they should be replaced. It's a simple philosophy, and one which Rafa seems to embrace. Except in the case of Peter Crouch. But that's another article
think the lad makes some great points early doors, although goes a bit pear shaped towards the end!!
Comment