Rafa Benitez

[Craig_H]

As funny as ever ian...

[Paddy]

I think it will take Rafa that long to deliver the title.
The top 4 in the premiership is far stronger when compared to the top 4 in Spain.
Rafa won the league over there but you can argue that it was in Real's decline and in Barca's rise.Maybe more of a transition period like Arsenal.

It is going to take a much bigger effort from Rafa this time out as the competition is stronger.

[Shaggy]

It is going to take a much bigger effort from Rafa this time out as the competition is stronger.

Indeed, but my guess is he'll relish the challenge.

[TartanTerror]

I think we are still 2 - 3 transfer windows away from having the team where we would all like to see it. As a whole, the team looks strong down the middle - CB, CM, and a couple of the strikers. The weaker areas seem to be our width players - RB, right wing and left wing. At least we have coverage of those areas. I feel Rafa is 2 or 3 players away from fielding a consistently dominate side. Certainly if we could pick up solid left and right wingers (at least until it is determined if Pennant and Gonzales will pan out) and a high profile striker then he would have what he needs to overtake Chelsea. Certainly he could make those acquisitions over the next 2 - 3 transfer windows.

[Nic83]

I still can't quite see why he didn't snap up Malbranque for the measly 2mil that was being asked. (before his injury)