Riera - Benitez never talks to Liverpool Players

[Craig_H]

Isn't possible that many players who require the arm round the shoulder approach just aren't suitable for top level football?

I agree there may well be times when Rafa's approach isn't the best. That said in general I think a uniform handling of players - i.e. at a distance is better than having close personal favourites. It doesn't necessarily mean that players aren't favoured more that I think it is more likely to be based on their attitude and ability. Perhaps that isn't how it goes and perhaps it does favor the self motivated but I think the differing types of players who have thrived under Rafa at Valencia and with us would suggest that it is a perfectly viable strategy.

Fair enough, if that's what you want to believe.

It cant just be Rafa.

[dww]

Fair enough, if that's what you want to believe.

It cant just be Rafa.

Being as no players have ever succeeded under him it couldn't possibly be a mixture of both.

[Matt]

Well done Riera, you cunt. I bet this has nothing to do with you punching Pacheco in training. I suppose hitting a fellow team mate is Ok then, especially one of the youngsters. Cunts like that need to be shipped out quickly.

When did this happen, this week?

Yeah, what a ****ty thing to do.

Wasn't this a rumour from a while ago?

[Kenneth]

When did this happen, this week?

It's Cream. It didn't happen. In fact, it's usually more likely the opposite happened. Riera and Pacheco were caught kissing in the showers.

[the rev leeroy brown]

It's Cream. It didn't happen. In fact, it's usually more likely the opposite happened. Riera and Pacheco were caught kissing in the showers.

i'd rather they were fighting than kissing.......dont want a buch of gay boys in our team!!!

[red g]

It's Cream. It didn't happen. In fact, it's usually more likely the opposite happened. Riera and Pacheco were caught kissing in the showers.

[barnes10]

Yawn. so a player who isnt a regular first teamer because benni played a stormer last year and babel has finally got his head down is complaining about his situation?

Rafa is meticulous with everything and I believe that his standoffish approach to the players is by design. putting an arm around 'sensitive' players basically says some players will get more attention than others. thats easily percieved as not being a level playing field and could well de-motivate other players in the squad. he's always mentioned mentality and character with his signings so clearly he wants mentally strong players - i.e. not arsed about the sensitive ones...

any player who calls us a sinking ship can eff off tho. close the door behind you albert. shame but we don't need that sh1t.

is this pacheco thing true? any evidence as asked for above?

[pondus]

Spoiled, overpaid brats, I wouldn't talk to them either..

[Kenneth]

i'd rather they were fighting than kissing.......dont want a buch of gay boys in our team!!!

You killed Justin Fashanu.

[Vermilion]

Yawn. so a player who isnt a regular first teamer because benni played a stormer last year and babel has finally got his head down is complaining about his situation?

Rafa is meticulous with everything and I believe that his standoffish approach to the players is by design. putting an arm around 'sensitive' players basically says some players will get more attention than others. thats easily percieved as not being a level playing field and could well de-motivate other players in the squad. he's always mentioned mentality and character with his signings so clearly he wants mentally strong players - i.e. not arsed about the sensitive ones...

any player who calls us a sinking ship can eff off tho. close the door behind you albert. shame but we don't need that sh1t.

is this pacheco thing true? any evidence as asked for above?

Jesus christ some lfc fans need a kick up the arse...they seem to revel...yes revel in poiting out half truths about the clubs present manager.

[Craig_H]

Being as no players have ever succeeded under him it couldn't possibly be a mixture of both.

Players have succeeded under him, tend to be the one who respond to his style of man management, which is great. He's got the best out of Torres and Gerrard, which is fantastic, and he's seen Reina turn into the world's best keeper under his guidance, and this is also superb. Delighted with that.

That doesnt mean i wouldnt like him to recognise that different players need different kinds of treatment, to perform at their best.

Different players will respond to different methods, but rafa only has one and this will never change, so inevitably, the players who might've flourished with an arm around the shoulder style approach, will fail to succeed at our club and this leaves open the possibility of us missing out.

Dont confuse my views for condoning Riera going to the papers with his frustrations though - that shouldnt be happening and he's wrong to have done it, assuming the quotes are accurate.

[squaddie]

Agree with the sentiment about Rafa not being the greatest man manager. Particularly when it comes to players that need an 'arm round the shoulder' (which im pretty sure Guilem Ballague particularly mentioned about Riera when he came to us).And i know whats done is done but i do think it needs to be taken into consideration. I always had the sense Paco was the go between man for Rafa and the players. Rafa would say his piece and Paco would 'sugar coat' it a little bit... Or even say the things Rafa doesnt... Like 'Your position was much more improved today since last week... keep it up' etc.

I might be talkin out of me arse but that was the impression i got.

[Vermilion]

[Vermilion]

How exactly did Rafa do the above...without even talking to or encouraging Torres...amazing..maybe it's just that some players don't ****in listen!!!

[Shaggy]

Wasn't this a rumour from a while ago?

Yeah was it **** this week, it was a good while ago but it's true, Riera got sent home from training for punching Pacheco.