The New Manager Thread

[Craig_H]

It is worrying. I do think he can turn it around though. A few signings to freshen the team up and add depth.

I do put blame on the manager, yes. I think his tactics are too defensive against weaker teams. I think his signings have been very poor over the past 3 years (overall). And I really think his decision not to sign a backup striker last summer was totally stupid. Not having backup for Torres is what cost us the league the season before last. To not address that... very, very questionable.

So yeah, the manager has to take responsibility. BUT, I do feel that last season is the first season under Rafa where we have gone backwards. He deserves a chance to put things right. I also feel that he is working under very difficult circumstances. Mourinho's Chelsea started coming undone towards the end, when Abramovich started to interfere. Rafa's situation is 100 times more difficult. My other reason for backing Rafa, is that I just dont think we could replace him with a better manager at this present time.

As I said in my last post, in 12 months time the club should be sold, and we will be in a far more stable position to replace the manager and give that replacment money for squad building.

Fair play mate.

[Craig_H]

I'll assume that that is a genuine misunderstanding of my point and not you seeking a pointless argument.

My post was a genuine enquiry as to whether any explanation could put to bed the reservations you have about Rafa, is there anything that could be said that would overcome your idea of his limitations as a manager.

To be honest, if he gave the impression that he was aware of the mistakes he'd made, and came across as someone who was keen to amend some of his methods which had failed, then possibly.

The problem is the same things that have failed, get repeated and when he talks about what's gone wrong, it's always always someone else's fault. Never his own.

[Pablo]

It is worrying. I do think he can turn it around though. A few signings to freshen the team up and add depth.

I do put blame on the manager, yes. I think his tactics are too defensive against weaker teams. I think his signings have been very poor over the past 3 years (overall). And I really think his decision not to sign a backup striker last summer was totally stupid. Not having backup for Torres is what cost us the league the season before last. To not address that... very, very questionable.

So yeah, the manager has to take responsibility. BUT, I do feel that last season is the first season under Rafa where we have gone backwards. He deserves a chance to put things right. I also feel that he is working under very difficult circumstances. Mourinho's Chelsea started coming undone towards the end, when Abramovich started to interfere. Rafa's situation is 100 times more difficult. My other reason for backing Rafa, is that I just dont think we could replace him with a better manager at this present time.

As I said in my last post, in 12 months time the club should be sold, and we will be in a far more stable position to replace the manager and give that replacment money for squad building.

Missed this amongst the mele of ****. Excellent post

[red g]

I think his problem is that if he goes there he will be taking on what many have described as one of the best teams of all time in Barcelona.

Ibra hasn't worked out, but in David Villa they're going back to basics to how they were with Eto'o. I expect them to up their game next year, will be a tough season for Jose to get the better of Barca.

exactly, specially when they are playing there special football and jose introduces his.

although Ronaldo will be happy to bring feigning and playacting back into his game.

[Pablo]

exactly, specially when they are playing there special football and jose introduces his.

although Ronaldo will be happy to bring feigning and playacting back into his game.

Side issue but Mourinho and Ronaldo don't get on at all. Mourinho called him a gypsy or something derogatory like that IIRC. That will be interesting.

[BrooklynRed]

Pepe on Rafa:

"I am convinced that Rafa will still be with us and that is good for us because he wants revenge in the next campaign,'' he said.

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=789602&sec=england&cc=5901

If this is true, I LIKE IT because it is exactly what I myself want. Revenge on the media, revenge on the doubters, revenge on the ****ty away draws and losses-- I want us motivated week in and week out to go out on the pitch and take everyone down. That is a tremendous motivation and I hope it lights a fire under Rafa and the team to get work hard and come into every match with a killer mentality. We need to play with confidence and motivation, we need a nasty streak and we need to batter people. Mentality is so much of the game, I hope this is what we instill in the team going forward.

It troubles me because I don't see Rafa as a great motivator, a great speech maker or a person who gets the team mentally tough to go and take care of business. It is one thing to be disciplined and tactically smart, it is another thing to unleash the special qualities and motivations inside players to be killers on the pitch. I think Rafa could do with a LOT more of the latter.

[DannyMan2006]

Pepe on Rafa:

"I am convinced that Rafa will still be with us and that is good for us because he wants revenge in the next campaign,'' he said.

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=789602&sec=england&cc=5901

If this is true, I LIKE IT because it is exactly what I myself want. Revenge on the media, revenge on the doubters, revenge on the ****ty away draws and losses-- I want us motivated week in and week out to go out on the pitch and take everyone down. That is a tremendous motivation and I hope it lights a fire under Rafa and the team to get work hard and come into every match with a killer mentality. We need to play with confidence and motivation, we need a nasty streak and we need to batter people. Mentality is so much of the game, I hope this is what we instill in the team going forward.

It troubles me because I don't see Rafa as a great motivator, a great speech maker or a person who gets the team mentally tough to go and take care of business. It is one thing to be disciplined and tactically smart, it is another thing to unleash the special qualities and motivations inside players to be killers on the pitch. I think Rafa could do with a LOT more of the latter.

Brook, I think everyone (virtually) wants this. It is just that some people do not think Rafa is up to the task of getting that revenge. I think the majority of people like Rafa as a man, and I think many of us will commend him for his behind the scenes battles with the owners.

But Liverpool Football Club is all about winning. It is not a mid table club where upon supporters will accept 7th as a good season. We could have the worst squad in the league, and people would still expect us to be challenging, and if not there would be unhappy voices swirling around as there is now.

Our great history and traditions is what makes us a great club, but any man who comes to lead Liverpool will always carry a heavy burden of expectation. And 20 years without a title has done nothing to quench that thirst for success.

Whist at times the pressures and expectations on Benitez have been unrealistic (something he's been quick to mention lately), this is the situation and it is something he must accept. Any man who comes to Liverpool as manager and doesn't win the title has been a failure. If this comes as some suprise to him then I suggest he reads the history books on our club again.

He is just a lucky man in that the sense and sensibilitys of the club have been mixed up over time. People point to how Liverpool have always stuck by their managers. Well the reason for that was because they used to come through the boot room and knew what was required. And because they also succeeded in delivering top honours.

People also seem to think that Liverpool FC has always been a humble club, where their managers have always shown the greatest humility and respect towards opponents. Another load of nonsence. Liverpools most important manager in their history was Bill Shankly, and he was one of the most arrogant managers going.

But Shankly was loyal to his players, and had a great deal of respect towards the people that mattered. The supporters of the club. He didn't care what others thought, and always battled to keep any kind of pressure on his players.

I am loathe to compare any manager to Shankly, as quite simply none can compare. But if you look at his many characteristics, some of them are shared by who I believe to be the best manager in world football at this moment in time. He's arrogant, disliked by others outside his group and is a born winner. He also acts in a way to take all the media glare and pressure of his players.

I'll leave others to guess the name.

[dww]

To be honest, if he gave the impression that he was aware of the mistakes he'd made, and came across as someone who was keen to amend some of his methods which had failed, then possibly.

The problem is the same things that have failed, get repeated and when he talks about what's gone wrong, it's always always someone else's fault. Never his own.

Rubbish he has given at least two interviews where he admits he made mistakes this season and has admitted IIRC that some of them were 'serious'. He has also over his reign tinkered and changed tactics on a number of occasions - we have seen changes involving two up front, genuine wide players, attacking fullbacks, inside forwards, more advanced CMs but somehow yet many people seem to claim that nothing has ever altered. I find this a bit odd.

[Vermilion]

Brook, I think everyone (virtually) wants this. It is just that some people do not think Rafa is up to the task of getting that revenge. I think the majority of people like Rafa as a man, and I think many of us will commend him for his behind the scenes battles with the owners.

But Liverpool Football Club is all about winning. It is not a mid table club where upon supporters will accept 7th as a good season. We could have the worst squad in the league, and people would still expect us to be challenging, and if not there would be unhappy voices swirling around as there is now.

Our great history and traditions is what makes us a great club, but any man who comes to lead Liverpool will always carry a heavy burden of expectation. And 20 years without a title has done nothing to quench that thirst for success.

Whist at times the pressures and expectations on Benitez have been unrealistic (something he's been quick to mention lately), this is the situation and it is something he must accept. Any man who comes to Liverpool as manager and doesn't win the title has been a failure. If this comes as some suprise to him then I suggest he reads the history books on our club again.

He is just a lucky man in that the sense and sensibilitys of the club have been mixed up over time. People point to how Liverpool have always stuck by their managers. Well the reason for that was because they used to come through the boot room and knew what was required. And because they also succeeded in delivering top honours.

People also seem to think that Liverpool FC has always been a humble club, where their managers have always shown the greatest humility and respect towards opponents. Another load of nonsence. Liverpools most important manager in their history was Bill Shankly, and he was one of the most arrogant managers going.

But Shankly was loyal to his players, and had a great deal of respect towards the people that mattered. The supporters of the club. He didn't care what others thought, and always battled to keep any kind of pressure on his players.

I am loathe to compare any manager to Shankly, as quite simply none can compare. But if you look at his many characteristics, some of them are shared by who I believe to be the best manager in world football at this moment in time. He's arrogant, disliked by others outside his group and is a born winner. He also acts in a way to take all the media glare and pressure of his players.

I'll leave others to guess the name.

Obviously not Maureen then, wonder who it could be ? Ferguson ? Wenger ? Ahhh i know... very crafty....it's RAFA is'nt it.

[vonk]

i dont think maureen will end up at old trafford.

Although i think he would do well with us, i think RM might be his first major **** up,

Really not sure he will do well there.

Based on what? He's been winning trophies in virtually every season. There is more evidence that he will be a success surely. I understand people not liking him, but I think there is little doubt about how good he is as a coach.

[vonk]

Rubbish he has given at least two interviews where he admits he made mistakes this season and has admitted IIRC that some of them were 'serious'. He has also over his reign tinkered and changed tactics on a number of occasions - we have seen changes involving two up front, genuine wide players, attacking fullbacks, inside forwards, more advanced CMs but somehow yet many people seem to claim that nothing has ever altered. I find this a bit odd.

The biggest concern about Rafa is not his love for the job or determination to win but his ability to motivate and turn around a bad run of form. If we went through a bad spell at the start of the season but then rallied in the second half to come fourth, then most would have been prepared to write off the start. However, it was poor from start to finish and Rafa was simply unable to turn it around. It felt like he'd run out of ideas.

[spanky]

He's a top coach and it will be interesting to see how he adapts to the basketcase that is real madrid cause playing his style of football wont wash with the madrid fans. So like all great managers he'll have to change and modify to get the balance right and that will be his next test, i'm looking forward to seeing what he does.

As for rafa, i'll be happy to see him continue as manager but he to has to have a real look at his tactics and again like above, keep what works and bin the rest. Hes got the talent and from the tail end of the 08/09 can setup the team to tear other clubs apart.
As one of the posters said, he needs to recognise where he went wrong and adapt his tactics.

[spanky]

was thinking about the whole rafa cant motivate and maybe he picks his staff based on his ideas and approach to games and could bring in a more motivating character. dunno if that makes sense

Like i'd like to see gary mac in the coaching staff, he'd be a real asset and the players would respond to him.

[Craig_H]

Rubbish he has given at least two interviews where he admits he made mistakes this season and has admitted IIRC that some of them were 'serious'. He has also over his reign tinkered and changed tactics on a number of occasions - we have seen changes involving two up front, genuine wide players, attacking fullbacks, inside forwards, more advanced CMs but somehow yet many people seem to claim that nothing has ever altered. I find this a bit odd.

He says about the mistakes he made, many of which happened in the earlier stages of the season - yet, in the last couple of months, we STILL played with a slow tempo, negative mentality, played with the old 'just dont concede and if we pinch one, great' mentality.

So whilst it's great to hear him SAY he's made mistakes, i'd like to see evidence of these acknowledgements in the way he has us playing.

There's no point admitting wrongdoing if the same methods continue.

I'm not talking about systems, formations, wide players or anything that specific. I'm talking about mindset and mentality. And as far as i can see, other than March-May 2009, Rafa's remains the same and it's one which i personally do not consider to be a mentality of a title-winner.

I cant explain it any more simply than that, and if you still find it odd, then we'll have to agree to disagree.

[spanky]

Is it because he's always been a cautious manager of do you think the circumstances at liverpool have made him that way?