Rafa on SSN.

[red g]

Just to clarify, i'm not saying it'll have a good effect or a bad effect - or even any effect.

It might work out beneficial, it might work out counter productive, nobody can say for sure. But, i just dont see the need to get embroiled in this type of stuff, what is the purpose? I'd be inclined to just focus on my own team and not even respond to the ****e that comes out of the Toilet, whether it's from ferguson or whoever.

What exactly is the purpose of it?

to put pressure on? to show we are not scared?

hardly embroiled though is it? its not all out war.......

and if we kept quiet maybe that would have the adverse effect of we are running scared?

[Kenneth]

Maybe it's better to say nothing, maybe it;s better say stuff. EIther way, people decide how to respond based on their own character, it's only natural. I think this kind of quip shows that we're seeing Rafa's personality and I quite like seeing that. I have no problem with him responding how he sees fit.

The 'facts' one was a bit different, it wasn't a spur of the moment comment and I didn't really approve.

[Craig_H]

to put pressure on? to show we are not scared?

hardly embroiled though is it? its not all out war.......

and if we kept quiet maybe that would have the adverse effect of we are running scared?

Yeah maybe to put pressure on etc, but i still think the best way to do that is to just win our games - talking on the pitch and all that.

I'm not meaning to have a go at Rafa, far from it - i just genuinely think everything's ticking along nicely, it's a tight title race and every little thing could have an impact - i wouldnt personally be seeking to give the mancs even 1% extra motivation.

That's all i'm saying, but i can appreciate that there's different ways of looking at it.

[BigChief]

Yeah maybe to put pressure on etc, but i still think the best way to do that is to just win our games - talking on the pitch and all that.

I'm not meaning to have a go at Rafa, far from it - i just genuinely think everything's ticking along nicely, it's a tight title race and every little thing could have an impact - i wouldnt personally be seeking to give the mancs even 1% extra motivation.

That's all i'm saying, but i can appreciate that there's different ways of looking at it.

Yep, and a different way of looking at it is the fact that Benitez no longer believes that winning the next 7 games will simply hand us the title. In order for manure to mess up in 2 games he has to get under Demento's skin, and get under it now. Before they start generating some momentum again.

[Vermilion]

Yeah maybe to put pressure on etc, but i still think the best way to do that is to just win our games - talking on the pitch and all that.

I'm not meaning to have a go at Rafa, far from it - i just genuinely think everything's ticking along nicely, it's a tight title race and every little thing could have an impact - i wouldnt personally be seeking to give the mancs even 1% extra motivation.

That's all i'm saying, but i can appreciate that there's different ways of looking at it.

Making an impact, yes, well i guess Rafa knows that it's maybe us that needs to make the impact, yes we can all go merrily along both winning our respective games, which obviously would end with utd winning the title, maybe Rafa feels at this important stage of the season he needs to shake the tree a bit, upset the apple cart so to speak rather than trundling along silently, when as you say every little thing could have an impact, i agree, it has a lot to do with mentality now, so although i don't expect another 'FACT' speech, i don't expect Rafa to shy away from the odd terse comment in utd's direction when given the opportunity, and when he considers the time to be right.

[Montana]

I agree but don't tell me he hasn't got experience of these kinds of situations, so I feel it hard to believe he's really 'rattled' as you say, IMO.

Of course he's rattled.

He hasn't experience of dealing with Liverpool in these situations and there is a massive difference. When you're neck and neck against your biggest rival there is definitely much more added pressure.

His team aren't playing well and leaking goals like a sieve. LFC & Rafa have stripped them of their aura in recent weeks and Fergie knows he has a hell of a fight on his hands not only this year but the coming years too.

[Montana]

Yep, and a different way of looking at it is the fact that Benitez no longer believes that winning the next 7 games will simply hand us the title. In order for manure to mess up in 2 games he has to get under Demento's skin, and get under it now. Before they start generating some momentum again.

You make a good point but I also believe United don't have to actually 'mess up 2 games', they just need to be held to 2 draws - Arsenal & Man City for example drawing those 2 games wouldn't be that surprising in any season and certainly not a 'mess up'.

LFC on the other hand are in top form and could realistically win all 7 games.

Yes, a few weeks ago I'd have expected United to finish really strong and I still think they will but I think they'll drop 4 points more than us and hand us the title on goal difference.

[kris90210]

Yeah maybe to put pressure on etc, but i still think the best way to do that is to just win our games - talking on the pitch and all that.

I'm not meaning to have a go at Rafa, far from it - i just genuinely think everything's ticking along nicely, it's a tight title race and every little thing could have an impact - i wouldnt personally be seeking to give the mancs even 1% extra motivation.

That's all i'm saying, but i can appreciate that there's different ways of looking at it.

Ferguson is blatently playing his mind games. For Rafa to not respond could have been interpreted by Fergie as weakness - in fact, no matter how Rafa responded, Ferguson could spin it whatever way he likes.

Personally speaking, I like it when Rafa comes out with a bit of banter. He's sharp enough, and has enough wit to pull it off.

[kris90210]

You make a good point but I also believe United don't have to actually 'mess up 2 games', they just need to be held to 2 draws - Arsenal & Man City for example drawing those 2 games wouldn't be that surprising in any season and certainly not a 'mess up'.

LFC on the other hand are in top form and could realistically win all 7 games.

Yes, a few weeks ago I'd have expected United to finish really strong and I still think they will but I think they'll drop 4 points more than us and hand us the title on goal difference.

They're at home against both sides though. I think they'll walk over Man City, unless Robinho decides he actually gives a ****. Arsenal could go either way though. Id opt for a draw.

I think, if we win all of our remaining games, we'll win the Premiership.

We're in a title race... **** me its been a while, hasnt it?!

[Leyton388]

Rafa is quality. He is the coolest guy around!

[red g]

They're at home against both sides though. I think they'll walk over Man City, unless Robinho decides he actually gives a ****. Arsenal could go either way though. Id opt for a draw.

I think, if we win all of our remaining games, we'll win the Premiership.

We're in a title race... **** me its been a while, hasnt it?!

dont think they will walk over city, can see city doing them i really can they hvae a cracking record recently over them i think? well did the double last season i think

[The Red Cardinal]

Did I read/hear/see correctly that our next 5 games (it could well be 4 now) are all before United's thus allowing us to pump up the pressure each time.

I'd definitely sooner be in this position than going into games having to win. It's slightly less pressure on Utd with their position, but still.... it all adds up.

[DannyMan2006]

Did I read/hear/see correctly that our next 5 games (it could well be 4 now) are all before United's thus allowing us to pump up the pressure each time.

I'd definitely sooner be in this position than going into games having to win. It's slightly less pressure on Utd with their position, but still.... it all adds up.

You read correctly sir.............

But it's only positive if we win! Tough game against Arsenal.

[The Birdman]

The only reason Fergie is rattled is because it's us, for the same reason Rooney keeps exploding and will get another red before the end of the season.
Imagine losing a massive lead with games in hand to any team, then imagine that team is Liverpool the one he vowed to 'knock off their ****ing perch' the one he has been ridiculing for years because we haven't competed with them.
Trust me, he is more worried because it is us rather than Chelsea or Arsenal because of the added rivalry, they will work themselves up more becuae it's us and it will get to them.
They will slip up again because teams have realised they aren't the all invincible side anymore, my main worry is can we win all our games, I'd love to think so but really can't call it.
Fergie sticks around long enough to witness the rebirth of England's true footballing superpower, it will make him sick

[Red_Polo]

I agree but don't tell me he hasn't got experience of these kinds of situations, so I feel it hard to believe he's really 'rattled' as you say, IMO.

I can guarantee this is the only time in his life he has felt that Liverpool could **** on his vision of leaving the perfect legacy.