Benfica build-up

[Shaggy]

I have not yet decided whether i want us to win or lose....

[little dave hedgehog]

i agree shaggy, that is pretty shocking.

[cream]

More interested in the CL games, looking forward to seeing Arsenal and United get knocked out.

[Chris]

I have not yet decided whether i want us to win or lose....

Then you're an absolute idiot really arent you?

[Mike]

If we lose we have better chance of going for 4th (even though i think we wont get it) due to having games in the league only. If rafa was to play a few youngsters and keep some players fresh for the league yes i would want us to win - fact is he wont play pacheco or start him like some people are suggesting.

If we lose, the chances of rafa going will increase, i like rafa i really do but his time is up for me as it is.

If we win, then great we are through to the next stage of... the europa cup

[Mike]

Then you're an absolute idiot really arent you?

Not at all

[TheElephantMan]

Not shocked by that suggestion at all, winning the Europa cup would serve only to expose how far we have fallen since 2005. It's not all Rafa's fault - it's mostly those ****ing Yanks, but something needs to happen. We need some inspiration from somewhere - we have a first team capable of beating anyone, but not a manager capable of instilling that belief in the team. Our squad players are poor compared to the likes of Chelsea, Tottenham, Manchester City etc. I was in full support of Rafa last season, but I can't stand his stubbornness any more.

[-V-]

I would love it if we won the Europa cup. But if we go out on thursday then hopefully it will be the end of Benitez

[Kenneth]

No point resting players now. Too late for that.

[Chris]

But if we go out on thursday then hopefully it will be the end of Benitez

We havent been able to afford to give the manager a budget in the last 18months so I'd be absolutely amazed if we can afford to pay him and his staff off. Not to mention the cost of hiring the next manager and his staff.

And thats with CL football, we wont have any next season.

[Mike]

We havent been able to afford to give the manager a budget in the last 18months so I'd be absolutely amazed if we can afford to pay him and his staff off. Not to mention the cost of hiring the next manager and his staff.

With the yanks looking to sell us on for a profit, not putting money into the club will only allow other teams to catch up or pass us by, meaning we are less successful --> the value of the club goes down meaning less money for them to pocket.

You have to spend money to make money - i think h and g have realised this after watching us this season.

If they dont sell, they should invest in the club.

[Chris]

With the yanks looking to sell us on for a profit, not putting money into the club will only allow other teams to catch up or pass us by, meaning we are less successful --> the value of the club goes down meaning less money for them to pocket.

You have to spend money to make money - i think h and g have realised this after watching us this season.

If they dont sell, they should invest in the club.

Thats all well and good and sounds so simple in writing. Its not though is it? Otherwise everyone would be doing it.

[Mike]

Thats all well and good and sounds so simple in writing. Its not though is it? Otherwise everyone would be doing it.

Agree mate, thing is hicks must realise that if he does not put money in like last summer, the club will decline and he will lose money. The price he valued us at depended on us playing in the CL, so now this summer he must realise that this team needs to have better players - everyone can see that.

He is not prepared to sell us for less than he valued us at, so he must spend some money either on new players or new management.

[Kenneth]

We're not going to sack Rafa. The Americans are too vulnerable and insecure to push him out. He'll be here next year, and the downward spiral will really pick up pace.

[TheElephantMan]

We're not going to sack Rafa. The Americans are too vulnerable and insecure to push him out. He'll be here next year, and the downward spiral will really pick up pace.

We are very likely to finish outside Rafa's guaranteed top four position. Benitez will not be our manager next season.