Sack the bored (article about Rafa)

[Welhung]

Good article!
The **** Rafa has to put up with is ridiculous. If we want to compete with the worlds strongest teams then it needs to be a level playing field across the board. Rafa is juggling way more than any of his adversaries.

[dww]

Interesting one.

I wholeheartedly agree with the general tenor of the article, and think it articulates the way I myself, and many others feel about the treatment Rafa is receiving at the moment.

However, what it does not say is that Rafa can be his own worst enemy and has shown flawed judgement at times which may cost us come the end of the season.

So Rafa isn't the second coming of Christ.

To be honest I think that people tend to look at Rafa's methods in the wrong way when they say he 'is his own worst enemy'. There was another article which I read recently praising him that came close to what I think - in essence Rafa is an analyst and you have to look at how the whole scheme fits together, holistically, over a whole season to determine whether it works or not.

There have been disappointing games and bad performances but that happens to every club. We probably have the 3rd best squad but are genuinely challenging and have been top for much of the season even with one of our most important players having been fully fit for about 2 games all season. So far I would say that the signs are good.

There are valid criticism that could be made about how suitable his style of football is too winning the PL, whether he has addressed recent issues at set pieces quickly enough etc. but all too often they are lost in the maelstrom of extremist, agenda driven bull**** that passes for journalistic commentary in the press at the minute.

Having said all of that, what manager has never got it wrong from time to time? And one of the great things with Rafa (particularly with respect to his transfers), is that when he has got it wrong, he's been quick to identify and resolve that situation (Morientes, Bellamy, Keane). Above all else he is OUR manager and IMHO deserves our unwavering support until such a time as we are no longer improving or he has done something so terrible as to burn his bridges with us.

Certainly to say we are in crisis or generally poo is laughable. A cursory glance at the table will show there are 18 clubs more in crisis or poo than us at the moment, and hopefully by the end of the season that will be up to 19

I think this is a pretty fair assessment.

I'm not claiming that Rafa is a flawless genius but that he is one of the very few managers with the vision and strength of character to have improved us as much as he has. Does he have what is necessary to take us the next stage and win the league - who knows?

[Reece]

I love Rafa.

[dww]

I love Rafa.

He says you are improving and offer possibilities.

[Reece]

I have a good mentality no?

[Skillz]

It's specifically written to defend him. How is it ever going to be anti-rafa?

And why is it blinkered to want to defend a coach who has progressively improved our squad and league position?

Exactly

[Scratch]

I have a good mentality no?

You need to get in the box more and you're finishing could be improved upon, but that you're a good all round player, and work hard.

[Reece]

You need to get in the box more and you're finishing good be improved upon, but that you're a good all round player, and work hard.

Sounds like someone else.....

[Elvoz]

It's specifically written to defend him. How is it ever going to be anti-rafa?

yeah i worked that bit out

And why is it blinkered to want to defend a coach who has progressively improved our squad and league position?

that may be answered in may pal no trophies given out in february (cc )


i hope we win the lot and rafa is still there

[BG1973]

that may be answered in may pal no trophies given out in february (cc )

Even if we don't win only a fool would suggest he is not the man for the job. Our squad is inferior to United's yet we're improving and closing the gap every year and the guy fcuking loves the club. Not sure what else people expect.

Not directed at you that just those in general that think we have a god given right to win the title and if we don't it must be the manager's fault.

[Harv]

that may be answered in may pal no trophies given out in february (cc )


i hope we win the lot and rafa is still there

good, because you'd be a cunt if you didnt

[BigChief]

That article brought shame on me and a metaphorical tear to my eye. One thing is for sure, for all the sh*t Rafa is putting up with he deserves to mentioned in the same breath as Shankley. We will probably never get such a devoted and honest guy managing our club again.

But no man is bigger than a club. Not even Shankley. For all the truth spoken in that article there were many fallacies. Firstly, we have improved year on year but by very small margins. The only reason we have touched top place with 52 points in February is because the likes of Chelsea, Arsenal and even scum are going through their worst periods this millenium.

If Rafa leaves this summer my heart will sink at the loss of a great man. If Rafa stays I will sigh at keeping an above average manager.

[Elvoz]

Even if we don't win only a fool would suggest he is not the man for the job. Our squad is inferior to United's yet we're improving and closing the gap every year and the guy fcuking loves the club. Not sure what else people expect.

Not directed at you that just those in general that think we have a god given right to win the title and if we don't it must be the manager's fault.

as i say lets see what happens come may

good, because you'd be a cunt if you didnt

go **** yourself

[Skillz]

good, because you'd be a cunt if you didnt

[Skillz]

That article brought shame on me and a metaphorical tear to my eye. One thing is for sure, for all the sh*t Rafa is putting up with he deserves to mentioned in the same breath as Shankley. We will probably never get such a devoted and honest guy managing our club again.

But no man is bigger than a club. Not even Shankley. For all the truth spoken in that article there were many fallacies. Firstly, we have improved year on year but by very small margins. The only reason we have touched top place with 52 points in February is because the likes of Chelsea, Arsenal and even scum are going through their worst periods this millenium.

If Rafa leaves this summer my heart will sink at the loss of a great man. If Rafa stays I will sigh at keeping an above average manager.

Selfish attitude. Think of Spur's, Chelsea and Arsenal.