Rafa - I'm here to stay

[kopdan]

well on that basis arsenal should sack wenger.

How many titles has Wenger won now?
Where are they in the league now?

What a pointless argument

[Guest]

Thats Rafa's job

The buying players side of it I see no problem. I think the owners deserve some credit for the signings this summer and this winter. I dont envisage any problems unless I am totally mistaken about Hicks and Gillett delivering something they promised.

imo

Yes and I think he's improving these players. At least tactically they've improved a lot since Rafa's been here. Look at someone like JAR, he may not be the best player you can have but the lad is very tactically aware. He plays solidly and doesn't give away much. Another player I think has improved tremendously in his all round game is Aurelio. He was fantastic going forward when he came in but now his game is more rounded and he's delivering some sterling displays lately. Thats' all down to Rafa's coaching.

Even a player like Pennant, has improved a lot since he came here. These are small details but very important ones.

We're competing with fantastic teams in Arsenal, United and Chelsea. It's no mean feat breaking this stronghold.

[kopdan]

Thats fair comment. Look, i'm not 100% wanting Rafa out. Infact I hope he sees out his contract at least.

BUT

I want us to really go for it. Keep the same team apart from injuries and suspensions and really go for the league.

He'll need backing thats for sure, backing I think he's had and will get again.

[Guest]

Thats fair comment. Look, i'm not 100% wanting Rafa out. Infact I hope he sees out his contract at least.

BUT

I want us to really go for it. Keep the same team apart from injuries and suspensions and really go for the league.

He'll need backing thats for sure, backing I think he's had and will get again.

Am not sure that they'll be able to give Rafa the amount required to push on though. We may come closer season by season but we need an improvement of Arsenal proportions in one season to really challenge. Hopefully with a couple of top class additions in the bracket of £ 40m net next year we'll be able to push on.

[barnes10]

rafa is the new fergie. He has revamped a squad and is learning about the league and what it takes to improve all the time.

The end of this season he's playing his best 11 barring injuries. We've seen this over the last few games and this'll prove to him to rotate a bit less and the value of the settled 11. He's doing it as we have to go for the league. If his bosses told him to go for the league and gamble more with the other comps, we'd see a more settled 11 in the league. They don't so he doesn't.

And as for giving up at reading. IF we lost the CL game a few days later he was out of a job. He's told by his bosses to finish in the top 4 and progress as far as poss in the CL. Throw in the Klinsmann/sacked if knocked out of CL situation and we'd have all done what he did. End of story.

Why so much drama? I've responded with this point in 3 threads now and not once has DJ come up with any sensible response but we're the 4th best team in the country so that's where we deserve to finish. we have overachieved by finishing 3rd twice and 2CL finals. end of story.

Those who compare net spends is all well and good. but the whole point is the context of what that money has to satisfy. at utd/chelski its about 3 players whilst with us its about 8. so clearly the average is about half which means we're effectively shopping for bargains all the time. exceptions being torres and masher. so we're on the right path.

Comparing GH's squad to the current one only serves to show that the goalposts are moving. Thats the nature of the game im afraid. if the current lfc squad went up against ut'd/chelski of 2003 then I'm sure we'd be pretty close to the title. but that's irrelevant. list the two squads and tell me which one you'd pick.

everton and villa etc can all have one season on, one season off. they live in another world when it comes to pressure and expectations. i'd take none of their managers over rafa and neither would you.

[AFII]

rafa is the new fergie. He has revamped a squad and is learning about the league and what it takes to improve all the time.

The end of this season he's playing his best 11 barring injuries. We've seen this over the last few games and this'll prove to him to rotate a bit less and the value of the settled 11. He's doing it as we have to go for the league. If his bosses told him to go for the league and gamble more with the other comps, we'd see a more settled 11 in the league. They don't so he doesn't.

And as for giving up at reading. IF we lost the CL game a few days later he was out of a job. He's told by his bosses to finish in the top 4 and progress as far as poss in the CL. Throw in the Klinsmann/sacked if knocked out of CL situation and we'd have all done what he did. End of story.

Why so much drama? I've responded with this point in 3 threads now and not once has DJ come up with any sensible response but we're the 4th best team in the country so that's where we deserve to finish. we have overachieved by finishing 3rd twice and 2CL finals. end of story.

Those who compare net spends is all well and good. but the whole point is the context of what that money has to satisfy. at utd/chelski its about 3 players whilst with us its about 8. so clearly the average is about half which means we're effectively shopping for bargains all the time. exceptions being torres and masher. so we're on the right path.

Comparing GH's squad to the current one only serves to show that the goalposts are moving. Thats the nature of the game im afraid. if the current lfc squad went up against ut'd/chelski of 2003 then I'm sure we'd be pretty close to the title. but that's irrelevant. list the two squads and tell me which one you'd pick.

everton and villa etc can all have one season on, one season off. they live in another world when it comes to pressure and expectations. i'd take none of their managers over rafa and neither would you.

Thank you for a very good post.

[Craig_H]

So where did he say quote "I will rotate a lot next season"? He didn't, did he? So therefore you are making **** up.

If you're remotely able to comprehend it, he said he's rotating less because there's less competitions noq. Next season there'll be four competitions again...you see? Do ya?

[Craig_H]

to be fair, Everton and Villa have been playing out of their skin this year.

Rotation of players is an issue but the main issue is inconsistency...especially at home

Many factors in it all

A turning point for me was Reading away. We basically gave in the towel....to Reading. Sir Alex would have gone for all three points

Thats the difference in my opinion.

[Craig_H]

Thats fair comment. Look, i'm not 100% wanting Rafa out. Infact I hope he sees out his contract at least.

BUT

I want us to really go for it. Keep the same team apart from injuries and suspensions and really go for the league.

He'll need backing thats for sure, backing I think he's had and will get again.

[Craig_H]

Am not sure that they'll be able to give Rafa the amount required to push on though. We may come closer season by season but we need an improvement of Arsenal proportions in one season to really challenge. Hopefully with a couple of top class additions in the bracket of £ 40m net next year we'll be able to push on.

However much they give him, you'll say it was £100m too little.
You'll basically never admit Rafa's getting it wrong.

[Guest]

However much they give him, you'll say it was £100m too little.
You'll basically never admit Rafa's getting it wrong.

For your govern, I've stated that Rafa has made mistakes. I simply ain't going into the extreme like you have to do. Pick up whatever you like in people's post and disguise it as you always do. Very smart.

[carlton]

rafa is the new fergie. He has revamped a squad and is learning about the league and what it takes to improve all the time.

The end of this season he's playing his best 11 barring injuries. We've seen this over the last few games and this'll prove to him to rotate a bit less and the value of the settled 11. He's doing it as we have to go for the league. If his bosses told him to go for the league and gamble more with the other comps, we'd see a more settled 11 in the league. They don't so he doesn't.

And as for giving up at reading. IF we lost the CL game a few days later he was out of a job. He's told by his bosses to finish in the top 4 and progress as far as poss in the CL. Throw in the Klinsmann/sacked if knocked out of CL situation and we'd have all done what he did. End of story.

Why so much drama? I've responded with this point in 3 threads now and not once has DJ come up with any sensible response but we're the 4th best team in the country so that's where we deserve to finish. we have overachieved by finishing 3rd twice and 2CL finals. end of story.

Those who compare net spends is all well and good. but the whole point is the context of what that money has to satisfy. at utd/chelski its about 3 players whilst with us its about 8. so clearly the average is about half which means we're effectively shopping for bargains all the time. exceptions being torres and masher. so we're on the right path.

Comparing GH's squad to the current one only serves to show that the goalposts are moving. Thats the nature of the game im afraid. if the current lfc squad went up against ut'd/chelski of 2003 then I'm sure we'd be pretty close to the title. but that's irrelevant. list the two squads and tell me which one you'd pick.

everton and villa etc can all have one season on, one season off. they live in another world when it comes to pressure and expectations. i'd take none of their managers over rafa and neither would you.

Good post mate. Supporters who dont think we have progressed as a club since Rafa has become Manager are just plain irrational. Of course he's made mistakes but he is the clubs best chance for number 19

[dww]

Have you ever tried not being a sheep and having your own mind?

Could we end the one line digs please. Also not every post needs a personal reply from you giving either approval or dismissal. It would be nice if some threads were allowed to become about an issue rather than inter poster battles with little substance being allowed into the debate.

Oh and this applies to everyone not just DJS.

[Craig_H]

Good post mate. Supporters who dont think we have progressed as a club since Rafa has become Manager are just plain irrational. Of course he's made mistakes but he is the clubs best chance for number 19

I dont begrudge anyone making mistakes, it's human. But continuing to make the SAME mistakes is something i cannot accept. There's little or no sign that Rafa learns from his mistakes, that is the problem.

[Guest]

Could we end the one line digs please. Also not every post needs a personal reply from you giving either approval or dismissal. It would be nice if some threads were allowed to become about an issue rather than inter poster battles with little substance being allowed into the debate.

Oh and this applies to everyone not just DJS.

I see you coming Dave but the way he expresses himself sometimes just cuts dead any attempt at a sensible discussion. I wouldn't have got to him if he attempted to discuss my point of view in an un-childish way.