Rafa Benitez

[Craig_H]

Should be given this season and at least the next 3 too, in order to bring us the title....

Discuss.

[Morph]

Depends, as long as we don't start going backwards, like in the Houlier era, then I'd be happy to see him stay in charge. I think Rafa's here for the long run anyway, providing any club ownership issues don't have a negative effect on his position.

[Craig_H]

Depends, as long as we don't start going backwards, like in the Houlier era, then I'd be happy to see him stay in charge. I think Rafa's here for the long run anyway, providing any club ownership issues don't have a negative effect on his position.

I hear what you're saying, and obviously it isnt as black and white as just saying 'yes' or 'no'.


However, it was always hard enough before to walk into the 4th (ish) best side and take them to top spot. With the chelsea issue, it's become far more difficult. There's nothing to be gained from changing every 4 years, a manager needs a SERIOUS amount of time to fit everything together, most will spend each summer strengthening one particular area to the level required and Rafa's been doing that since he came here.

Unless we got to the point of missing out on the top 4, which i cant see happening under Benitez, he should be given a more or less unconditional total of say, 6 years, before anyone THINKS of pointing fingers.

I know we've all been talking about a REAL challenge this year, but if it didnt happen this year, or even in the next two years, i'd want Rafa to remain.

It's extremely difficult to overhaul Chelsea, but if Rafa couldnt do it, i'd wonder who could.

Ideally, i'd like to see him offered the financial benefits that a 60,000 new stadium would bring.

[Rich]

I don't think you can put a timescale on this type of thing, to be honest.

At some stage whether successful or not Rafa will leave, and probably to Real Madrid, this we need to accept and hope that he doesn't want to go for another 5+ years...

[Dhav]

I still think it would have been asking far too much , on the tight financial restrictions that Rafa has been operating vis-a-vis Man U and Chelski, to expect him to win the league this season. To be honest, I dont expect him to ever win the league given that he is feeding for scraps in the transfer market while Chelsea are spending £50m each tranfer window and Man U £30m.

[Craig_H]

If you look at the league-title winning managers, Kenny at Blackburn aside, they tend to be from sides whose managers have been there for the long haul.

Ferguson obviously, but Wenger took over a relatively dismal Arsenal side, and 10 years later, look at the fruits of his labour.

[Morph]

Bloody hell that's a bit negative isn't it, I think you're severely understimating his managerial capacity with a coment like that. while I never expected us to win the league this sason, I think once players have settled in this season, and we plug a few gaps in the next 2 transfers windows, we'll be well on our way.

[Craig_H]

Bloody hell that's a bit negative isn't it, I think you're severely understimating his managerial capacity with a coment like that. while I never expected us to win the league this sason, I think once players have settled in this season, and we plug a few gaps in the next 2 transfers windows, we'll be well on our way.

Possibly a *bit* negative, but with all the false dawns we've seen, i struggle to really put us in the categoric 'yes' box regarding winning the title.

There or thereabouts, but one cant help feeling we'll fall just short...yet again.

[Morph]

Was referring to Dhavlos, not your good self.

[Craig_H]

Was referring to Dhavlos, not your good self.

Apologies.

It's turning into one of those days for me.

[Dhav]

I know what you're saying Morph, and trust me, no one rates Rafa more than me, I love the guy, but while Chelsea go out and get Ballack and shevchenko and we go and get Pennant and Bellamy- it is asking a lot to expect Rafa to over come that, when the decks are so heavily stacked in Chelsea's favour.

[mersey86]

I think Rafa is a superb manager who has achieved a lot in his first two years at Anfield. I'm confident that our form and results will improve considerably this season and that we will comfortably make the top 4. There is a measure of disappointment at the lack of early impact from Bellamy and Pennant (the latter looking like a potential waste of money) and there is a lot of frustration at competing in an unequal market. Rafa clearly has a plan he is working on and does not yet have his team at the level he intends yet (partly his own fault as some of his transfers have been a little suspect) but I am confident in his abilities to achieve the success we all desire.
I don't think we need to be talking about time limits though, as far in the future as we may be. Houllier's 5 year plan is too recent in the memory to be doing that.

[WILF]

I agree that Rafa should be given a lot of time, partly because of his previous record and also because ,as already mentioned, chopping and changing managers every 3/4 years rarely reaps any rewards.

Also, who could we bring in who would be any better??

For me, as long as we are competing near the top and pushing for the League and playing reasonably attractive footie we should give him as long as possible.

Long live Rafa!!!

[mersey86]

I know what you're saying Morph, and trust me, no one rates Rafa more than me, I love the guy, but while Chelsea go out and get Ballack and shevchenko and we go and get Pennant and Bellamy- it is asking a lot to expect Rafa to over come that, when the decks are so heavily stacked in Chelsea's favour.

Dhavlos, there comes a point at which a team cannot significantly strengthen. Chelsea have brough in Ballack (but they already had Makelele, Essien and Lampard in CM) and they brought in Shevchenko (but he may not fit so well into their system and may not particularly improve them). We performed very well last season while having clear weaknesses at striker and right midfield. By remedying the situatuion we should be a lot more competitve. By overfilling their positions they risk disenchanting their current structure. At least that's my hope ....

[Depth_Charge]

Should be given this season and at least the next 3 too, in order to bring us the title....

Discuss.

I'd say keep him as long as we can - he will continue to be successful as long as he manages and whoever he manages. I reckon if we give him enough time and he will become a LFC legend on a par with Shanks...