Maddock: O'Neill tops Kop hitlist

[Shaggy]

http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/2008/02/19/o-neill-tops-kop-hit-list-89520-20324385/

O'NEILL TOPS KOP HIT-LIST

..but Rafa warns it would be a mistake to sack him LIVERPOOL v INTER MILAN

By David Maddock 19/02/2008

Rafael Benitez last night launched a passionate defence of his Anfield regime as Martin O'Neill emerged as a serious contender to replace him.

The Spanish coach, whose Liverpool side face a crunch Champions League tie against Inter Milan tonight, insists he is still best placed to deliver the title the club have waited almost 20 years to lift again.

He said: "I understand why I am under pressure, but I have real confidence I will be here for a long time because I am the man to deliver titles for this club.

"My commitment to this club is 100 per cent clear."

Along with Villa boss O'Neill, Jose Mourinho and Frank Rikjaard are in the running as the question of the club's ownership is decided over the next few weeks.

Whether it is Americans Tom Hicks and George Gillett in charge, or Sheikh Mohammed's DIC investment group, the feeling is there will be a need for change unless the current boss offers evidence of progress.

That now can only come through the Champions League. But Benitez reiterated it would be a mistake to replace him.

He added: "Liverpool appoint managers expecting them to win the Premier League, but I can do that. I know where those improvements have to be made.

"Look at Arsenal. They have won one cup in three years, but they are now in a position to win a title. It takes time.

"We have improved the squad and the club and I can continue to do so.

"Since I arrived we have been in seven finals and there is evidence of progress. OK, we have had setbacks this season, but that is the time you discover what is required to move forward."

Hicks has insisted Benitez will stay in charge for at least the next two years left on his contract but, with DIC moving closer to a takeover, the Spanish coach finds himself under intense pressure.

The Arabs have already taken soundings on who could replace Benitez and O'Neill has emerged as a real contender because of his ability to get the most out of his players and operate on limited budgets.

[Guest]

Rafa's going nowhere.

[pezzzer]

more horse ****, rafa will stay.

[sonsofthedesert]

The Arabs have already taken soundings on who could replace Benitez and O'Neill has emerged as a real contender because of his ability to get the most out of his players and operate on limited budgets.

Are they saying DIC wont invest in the team?

[Reece]

The article doesn't do any more than speculate about Martin O'Neill, surprise surprise, so it's a bit of a non story in that sense.
Never been 100% convinced about him like some have. He certainly won't play the fast flowing attacking football that many are crying out for (because that's how we played in the good old days ) but I don't think you can question his motivational techniques.

[Slim]

Are they saying DIC wont invest in the team?

I read that into those comments as well.

It's probably all bollocks though.

[pezzzer]

the good old gutter press, never letting the truth get in the way of a good story :yawn:

[dww]

Are they saying DIC wont invest in the team?

I think anyone who believes that DIC are going to finance the stadium and give us enormous transfer budgets are dreaming. IMO they will probably give guarantees that we will have ~£30m to spend each season. The fact that they can make and keep such promises is a big plus none the less.

[cled the red]

And in a separate article in The Mirror, "Benitez has spent a fortune and bought too many ordinary players - and his squad still only has three world class talents in Torres, Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher."!!!

Pepe Reina, Javier Mascherano are 2 other world class talents that spring to mind, but hey why let that get in the way of a good story??

[Shaggy]

And in a separate article in The Mirror, "Benitez has spent a fortune and bought too many ordinary players - and his squad still only has three world class talents in Torres, Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher."!!!

Pepe Reina, Javier Mascherano are 2 other world class talents that spring to mind, but hey why let that get in the way of a good story??

I'd throw Agger in too.

[BFG]

And Babel certainly has the potential to go on and be.

[Tee]

A ****in awful piece of journalism. Hang your head in shame you ****in frizzy haired cunt Maddock.

[slimbimjim]

A ****in awful piece of journalism. Hang your head in shame you ****in frizzy haired cunt Maddock.

[AFII]

And in a separate article in The Mirror, "Benitez has spent a fortune and bought too many ordinary players - and his squad still only has three world class talents in Torres, Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher."!!!

Pepe Reina, Javier Mascherano are 2 other world class talents that spring to mind, but hey why let that get in the way of a good story??

Well, Carra hasn't exactly been world class this season. He should either play on the right or be benched when Agger is back.

I'd throw Agger in too.

Insua and Pacheco are two top class youngsters. I think that you can say that they are world class talents but they are not ready yet, or maybe they are, who knows?

[Frank Leroux]

A ****in awful piece of journalism.

..awfull and lazy.

He's essentially saying that the current owners - or the new, prospective owners - have this same shortlist of replacements

How convenient.