Rafa - I'm here to stay

[Sarb]

The fact our defense has been devastated with injuries and been unsettled all season. Relying on Sami (who has been excellant) meant that we have had to play a deeper defense has affected our performance. Alonso has been missed and Kuyts form has hurt a lot as well.

Next season I expect with Agger and Skrtel we will be able to play higher, therefore back to dominating games. I hope that we add a quality winger and striker to our team, while seeing further progress of players like Babel, Lucas and Insua.

Or we could start again

The winger problem has been there since Rafa took over. He instead spent £7m on Pennant and £11m on Babel.

It's a fine line. Start again or waste another season with the same old excuses. Injuries happen to every team. Chelsea, Mancs and Arsenal have had them but they continue to perform. Can only be used as an excuse for so long

[Skillz]

The winger problem has been there since Rafa took over. He instead spent £7m on Pennant and £11m on Babel.

It's a fine line. Start again or waste another season with the same old excuses. Injuries happen to every team. Chelsea, Mancs and Arsenal have had them but they continue to perform. Can only be used as an excuse for so long

Well we aren't going to reach a consensus are we. I want Rafa to stay, my reasons are in this thread. You want to change manager, I think you are wrong and we need to give Rafa more time.

BTW Rafa has missed out on many Wingers and the good ones out there are not easy to find at a price.

[Sarb]

Well we aren't going to reach a consensus are we. I want Rafa to stay, my reasons are in this thread. You want to change manager, I think you are wrong and we need to give Rafa more time.

We'll agree to disagree mate

[Skillz]

I thought it was a key and positive part of this interview, no

Basically, Rafa is saying that curently all is good with him and his position, something that was cleary not relevant several weeks ago

Rafa is doing his job. Whether he is happy with everything is up for debate but it is clear he more focused on results ATM. The ownership issue is something he has no control over now. He has however, by his actions a few months ago made sure the incumbents are being brought into question.

[Skillz]

I hate that arrogant viewpoint. "You disagree with ME - the almighty ME. Therefore you simply MUST be a WUM"

What arrogance

As for Rafa...well, most mancs & bitters seem to want him to stay. "Give him a ten year contract" they say. Tells the story better than i can...

Well plenty on here have probably wonder if your a bitter or a manc so it doesn't come as a surprise you feel that way

[Sarb]

Well plenty on here have probably wonder if your a bitter or a manc so it doesn't come as a surprise you feel that way

I think its only the RCDNWB that wonder that

[Skillz]

I think its only the RCDNWB that wonder that

Great comment.

[Sarb]

Great comment.

[rage]

i'm sure both souness, evans and houllier wold like to have thought they were here to stay too.

I'd not even discuss a contract with rafa until next xmas, if he's still here then. If once again we're playing catch up in the league xmas 2008 i'd say no hard feelings rafa but where it matters the most you came up short.

[Craig_H]

Now your just taking the piss right? or are you suffering a debilitating mental illness?

If so I apologise.

I just want an answer - is the current squad much better than the one he inherited...just a yes or no will do.

[Craig_H]

With the young players like Babel, Agger,Lucas etc, all who will get better, Added to by Torres, Masher, alongside Gerrard, Carra, Alonso etc etc The potential is FAR better.... YES I AM.

Now as someone with experience of disagreeing with you said in a previous post, we'll just have to AGREE to Disagree. That's my last word on it..........For now.

Ok, so if the current squad is much better, then the fact that it's struggling to finish 4th (when the squad he inherited finished 4th with 4 points to spare) seems to therefore suggest that rafa is getting it wrong.

Thank you.

[Craig_H]

The fact our defense has been devastated with injuries and been unsettled all season. Relying on Sami (who has been excellant) meant that we have had to play a deeper defense has affected our performance. Alonso has been missed and Kuyts form has hurt a lot as well.

Next season I expect with Agger and Skrtel we will be able to play higher, therefore back to dominating games. I hope that we add a quality winger and striker to our team, while seeing further progress of players like Babel, Lucas and Insua.

Or we could start again

Why is it 'start again' ? Why couldnt a new manager take what rafa's built and actually get the best out of them?

[Skillz]

I just want an answer - is the current squad much better than the one he inherited...just a yes or no will do.

Yes, much better.

[Craig_H]

BTW Rafa has missed out on many Wingers and the good ones out there are not easy to find at a price.

If it were 'easy', we'd all be earning £4m salaries via football. Course it's not 'easy'. But it's his fecking job to get it right - or he goes.

[Craig_H]

Yes, much better.

See post 1659.