Benitez and Gerrard - Will it all end in tears ?

[Kiwi]

Stevie also has 10 times the ego of Xabi.

[Shaggy]

So, if push came to shove, you would prefer to see Stevie leave before Rafa ?

Yes, for a number of reasons - not least because we'd receive about £30m for Gerrard and nothing for Rafa.

[Diego]

if rafa is the problem, and stevie the solution, the board will never allow stevie to go, simple as that, rafa is not a dictator the board has something to say as well if we sell gerrard, it's not as clear cut, one of them has to go pick one, real life doesn't work like that...

[anfieldanfield]

Stevie also has 10 times the ego of Xabi.

Probably because he's 10 times the player...

[lfc4ever]

So, if push came to shove, you would prefer to see Stevie leave before Rafa ?

Totally, followed by Xabi, don't bang the door on the way out either please.

[Rich]

Very good post AA, much better than your one about grammar!!

Something pretty huge has to be at the root of Liverpool's problems this season, and I am starting to think it's the friction between Captain and Manager.

Gerrard has changed significantly as a player and where once he looked like the next box-to-box iron willed captain to win their team the league, like Roy Keane, like Patrick Vieira.

The fact is he has almost turned into a "luxury" player, devastatingly explosive when in form, with the ability to win matches, but when out of form he doesn't lead by example, he doesn't take his team mates by the scruffs of their necks and demand that win.

This change of playing style has had an effect on Rafa and his plans, he is unsure where to play Stevie, which causes the friction and in turn leads to some of our problems.

I believe the only way Stevie G can be played consistently in the centre is either in a central three, or with a defensive midfielder that has ability that none at the club possess.

I fear dark times ahead at Anfield.

[kopdan]

I dont

I think its all bollocks

We're just ****

Nurse, my bath!

[fatistuta]

So, if push came to shove, you would prefer to see Stevie leave before Rafa ?

I don't want either to leave but, BUT, if Stevie won't do what Rafa says/wants then he would have to go.

No point keeping him because he would be the same problem for other managers if he didn't agree with their tactics etc.

ALL PLAYERS have to play for their managers the way they are told to play, otherwise there is no management and tactics don't work.

All this is hypothetical however as we don't know for certain that there is a problem or if Stevie would refuse or cause problems.

I'd hope not.

[Doc_Piptorious]

Sorry don't want to say this just because it's AA but i've never come across a more negative, despressing forum poster ever.

Well read his post in full, it is hardly a negative post, just an opinion. To be honest, when I see a post done by anyone, that is as long as his, it warrants a read just for the sheer time and effort that a post of that length would have taken to type, let alone for the content. Personally I thought it was a good read, that raised some good points, points that I may not agree with all of, but good points nonetheless.

[Redlife]

It's a fair enough post. In my opinion it's all still speculation: they don't get on, Rafa wants him out, the animosity is the reason Stevie isn't playing well?



There are loads of possible reasons why Stevie G's form has been poor. None of it necessarily means that he or Rafa will leave in the summer.

[Marky]

Well read his post in full, it is hardly a negative post, just an opinion. To be honest, when I see a post done by anyone, that is as long as his, it warrants a read just for the sheer time and effort that a post of that length would have taken to type, let alone for the content. Personally I thought it was a good read, that raised some good points, points that I may not agree with all of, but good points nonetheless.

I did read the post in full and imho it's very depressing and all if, buts and maybe's.
Very easily put together when things aren't going to well for us.

[Manofthebog]

It's a fair enough post. In my opinion it's all still speculation: they don't get on, Rafa wants him out, the animosity is the reason Stevie isn't playing well?



There are loads of possible reasons why Stevie G's form has been poor. None of it necessarily means that he or Rafa will leave in the summer.

Personally, I think the reason behind Gerrards poor form is exactly that, poor form.

No more, no less. (But, reading some **** on certain forums about him, as of late, wouldn't have helped)

And I can't believe the fact Rafa would want to get rid of his prized asset.

People are reading too much into our poor away form.

[Nic83]

My 2 pence (posted elsewhere too).


Sometimes it takes something bad to happen for something good to come of it in the long run. I'm talking about Momo's injury. Gerrard will spend the next couple of months playing in the middle and will start performing to his maximum ability once again.

Rafa will then realise that he's GOT to play him in the centre more often than not and Gerrard will be delighted with this and settle back down and focus on what he needs to do to drive the club forward once again.

As for your point about Gerrard not talking. He is talking but unfortunately it is moaning more than talking.

He also came out and said "I'm a central midfielder and that's where i want to play" and when he gets a run in this position again, we will see the smile return to his face.

Some people say that Xabi and Stevie will not be a good partnership as it is not defensive enough. This is bollox as proved against Boro when the hardly even got into out third.

This will develop into the best central midfield pairing in the world IMO.

[Nic83]

Gerrard is ten times the player Xabi is.

That is one of the most ridiculous football related statements I've ever read.

I know you don't like Xabi but that is pure and utter ****e.

Xabi, in my opinion and alot of other people's opinions, is worldclass.

[Harv]

thats a good post AA, well written and well thought out

but in no way should Rafa play favorites with Stevie. He is captain, he shouldn't need to be tended to like a baby. If he wants to throw all his toys out the pram when he doesnt get mollycoddled then let him leave.

If Stevie leaves (i highly doubt he will) i have no problems with it. He has been one of our greats.

Stevie has developed a massive ego in recent years and it needs to stop, either by leaving, or by taking the captaincy away from him, and giving it to the rightful owner Carra. Gerrard just doesnt act like a captain.

All in all i think everyone is just over-reacting a tad. Our form, combined with Stevies form has the rumour mill running overtime. Once we pick up some form (which i expect now) these rumours will die down.