Fond Rafa memories

[Leyton388]

**** that the best memory i have was when he went to the bar for a drink during a european away game and the place was packed with the traveling Kop! ****ing LEGEND!

[pondus]

Loved the "small club" remark, that really hurt them (in a non violent way)


Rafa

[little dave hedgehog]

i was trying to explain to my 3 year old nephew why i was sad today. by the end of the discussion he told me i would never walk alone and gave me a hug. i asked him if he wanted to watch the planets on tv and he said "want to watch what's happening at the club." so we're putting on the beeb to see what's happening.

the future is red, even if the present isn't so much

[squaddie]

Rafa - 'Seeing these smiling faces is the greatest pleasure. They have been magnificent all season. They have been our 12th man. I have always said our fans are the best in England. Now I know they are the best in Europe too.'



I wish him all the best in whatever he does... I'm positive we'll see him lift plenty of silverware in the remainder of his career.....

YNWA

[Kenneth]

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BdQS-pCQWAw"]YouTube- Rafa Benitez Leaves Liverpool F.C.[/ame]

Actually made me upset. Gerry's version of YNWA gets me every time.

[lucas]

The 7-0 thrashing of Birmingham in the FA Cup and the travelling Kop singing "Fat head...." at Bruce for the last 10 mins was hilarious!

[Kenneth]

The 7-0 thrashing of Birmingham in the FA Cup and the travelling Kop singing "Fat head...." at Bruce for the last 10 mins was hilarious!

It was. "head like a beach ball" .

To be fair to him, Bruce's response was brilliant too.

[jonymadness]

loved the interview he did with Sky (I think) before the Chelski Semi in 05 when he just said, "We will win". last thing I saw before I headed for the Kop, was ****in' pumped after it.

looked online but cant find it anywhere.

[Shaggy]

I'll fondly remember my first impressions of Rafa the boss.

With Houllier we'd become used to seeing him sitting on the bench, motionless and bewildered, as the team flapped around getting beaten left, right and centre. He had no answer. He changed systems and his philosophies on a whim and reverted to type when it went tits up.

Rafa was so different. Constantly on the touchline, ordering players about, shouting instructions continually. I hadn't really seen a manager quite like it. Sure, some of 'em indulged in a bit of that stuff but Rafa came across as a maniac - in a good way.

I know some people complain about his style of 'micro-management' and perhaps it became a bit of a problem in the end, but at the start it was a massive breath of fresh air. I felt secure with Rafa at the helm, even if the first league campaign wasn't good. He knew what he wanted, what he wanted the players to do. A man in complete control and with total faith in his methods. It made me realise how little I knew about the tactical side of football, and how I'd love to have a couple of hours talking football with Rafa.

[MrMichael]

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FCUeBICTgL0"]YouTube- Rafa Benitez La Bamba Liverpool Kop Song[/ame]

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Vtjf4SWr2E"]YouTube- Rafael Benitez The Magician[/ame]

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aC3HzCVVV14"]YouTube- Benitez tests reporters' memories[/ame]

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zGaXABfRTyA"]YouTube- Rafa's Rant[/ame]

[MrMichael]

Oh, and this thread is for fond memories of Rafa ONLY, no discussion on rights or wrongs or anything else, amusing or otherwise; anything off topic has been and will continue to be removed

[squaddie]

How could we forget!?

Signing the likes of Alonso, Mascha, Pepe....... And of course Torres.

[darkstar]

I remember the first time I saw Rafa was on the American tour, when they played Celtic in Connecticut. It was a great match, 5-1 LFC, great atmosphere, and great optimism. I took off work to watch the Champion's League Final, what an evening of emotions. Thanks Rafa for all the memories. I wish your parting would have been done honorably, much the way you have treated all of us supporters. Fair winds and following seas. YNWA

[Broner]

Loads of great memories of Rafa:

- Istanbul

- Fa Cup Final

- Many great nights in Europe

- The wins over the Scum, not least the 4-1 win at Old Trafford

- The many Derby wins

- Bringing Mascherano, Reina, Alonso and Torres to the club(to name but 4)

- His quick witted replies in interviews

- His taking no **** approach to cunts like Mourinho, Fergie and Allardyce

- His obvious love for LFC, for us the fans and the City of Liverpool

- His funny little hand gestures

- His big grin


Overall i'll remember Rafa with great fondness, for his abilities as a manager and his charming personality.

Thanks for the memories, they will never be forgotten and good luck in the future. I'll be routing for whatever team you manage next.

YNWA Rafa

[jono]

Found myself getting more and more upset as I looked for this...

I'm starting to tear up reading this thread. The sitting down was something that will stay with me for a long time..... mainly his reasons for doing so (taken from Wikipedia)

"During the penalty shoot out, Rafa was noted for sitting down cross-legged in his technical area. He later explained that it was because fans behind the dug-out were complaining that they could not see."

...... What other manager would have that concern for fans?