A question...

[JudgeRed]

Houllier never told Stevie to cut it out with his Hollywood passes, so yes you are right to a degree, he felt saying this to him would stunt his growth as a footballer, so he let Stevie play them, which is almost his trademark now.
But, Rafa is one for letting people trying the unexpected, so I dont think Rafa would have told him to stop that kind of thing either, as we see with Xabi, Rafa is trying to make Stevie to complete midfielder, by letting him play different positions to imporve his alround game, which IMO he is doing albeit very much un-noticed. Stevie even said this not so long ago himself.

[anfieldanfield]

So...based on whats been said, Houllier allowed Stevie to flourish to develop his 'dynamic' style. In contrast I think Benitez would have developed him more as a highly talented footballer who knew his place in the team and his specific job.

Under Houllier- a talented individual with the team shaped around him

Under Benitez- a talented team player with role that would allow the team to function at its optimum.
feel free to shoot me down.

If our optimum is 10th in the table, I prefer Houllier's way.

[Neil Young]

If our optimum is 10th in the table, I prefer Houllier's way.

That's a silly thing to say. By all means say it at the end of the season if we're still there.

[JudgeRed]

If our optimum is 10th in the table, I prefer Houllier's way.

Did you feel that way at the end of last season?

[anfieldanfield]

Did you feel that way at the end of last season?

Why are some posters using last season as some kind of benchmark of Rafa's supposed greatness in the Premiership ?

We finished 3rd, remember. Not 1st, not even 2nd, but 3rd.

Jesus, we were closer to winning the title under both Evans and Houllier than we have been under Rafa.

If we finish fourth this season (which we probably will do) he will have taken us to 5th, 3rd and 4th in the Premiership, which in all brutal reality is no better than the managers before him.

Rafa's great in the Cup competitions, but as for the Premiership, he's as far away as ever, in my opinion.

[Diego]

i think your underestimating the premier league, your expecting to much to soon, a complete rebuild just takes longer, we've been waiting long enough and we will wait a few seasons on unless we get investment no matter whos in charge...

[red g]

Why are some posters using last season as some kind of benchmark of Rafa's supposed greatness in the Premiership ?

We finished 3rd, remember. Not 1st, not even 2nd, but 3rd.

Jesus, we were closer to winning the title under both Evans and Houllier than we have been under Rafa.

If we finish fourth this season (which we probably will do) he will have taken us to 5th, 3rd and 4th in the Premiership, which in all brutal reality is no better than the managers before him.

Rafa's great in the Cup competitions, but as for the Premiership, he's as far away as ever, in my opinion.

but houiller didnt have his mess to sort out when he got here!!
You have to give the bloke a chance for ffs.

Give gonzo, Kuyt, Aerulio a chance to adapt or should we get rid??
Did you honestly believe with the paltry amount given we were going to win the league? statistically there are going to be duds...and we dont have the money to patch up the rest of the team

[Harv]

No.

Houllier put an arm round the young lad's shoulder, instilled new levels of confidence in Stevie, played him in his best position and gave him the captain's armband at the perfect time. I'll never forget the last six months of Houllier's reign, which is the best I've ever seen Gerrard play, and that includes last season.

this could also be the reason why Houllier failed.....he played favourites.

i was under the impression that Houllier didnt make Stevie captain. Rafa did shortly after he arrived...to keep him happy about Ged leaving.

[anfieldanfield]

i was under the impression that Houllier didnt make Stevie captain. Rafa did shortly after he arrived...to keep him happy about Ged leaving.

Eh ?

[Morph]

Why are some posters using last season as some kind of benchmark of Rafa's supposed greatness in the Premiership ?

We finished 3rd, remember. Not 1st, not even 2nd, but 3rd.

Jesus, we were closer to winning the title under both Evans and Houllier than we have been under Rafa.

If we finish fourth this season (which we probably will do) he will have taken us to 5th, 3rd and 4th in the Premiership, which in all brutal reality is no better than the managers before him.

Rafa's great in the Cup competitions, but as for the Premiership, he's as far away as ever, in my opinion.

This current LFC has more to deal with than in the past, Chelseas endless millions, Man U being bank rolled by the yanks, clubs with new/bigger stadiums, better deals.

We finished with our highest points total, so position is irrelevant when comparing, Benitez has done a better job than those before him, so while we might have been in a better position (1st/2nd/3rd) wise in previous years, we are still now a better team.

This season is going to be awkward, but I always expected problems at some point, we just have to roll with them and come out the other side.

Some of your comments really are quite dim.

[Morph]

this could also be the reason why Houllier failed.....he played favourites.

i was under the impression that Houllier didnt make Stevie captain. Rafa did shortly after he arrived...to keep him happy about Ged leaving.

no mate, Houllier made him captain in 2002, quick edit it before someone sees.

[Sir Bob]

No.

Houllier put an arm round the young lad's shoulder, instilled new levels of confidence in Stevie, played him in his best position and gave him the captain's armband at the perfect time. I'll never forget the last six months of Houllier's reign, which is the best I've ever seen Gerrard play, and that includes last season.

Gerrard was outstanding last eaon, it was his best at LFC in my book.


The whole Ged Rafa debate is a non starter as Rafa's record is infinately better than Geds. For me Rafa is clearly a better manager.

[anfieldanfield]

Gerrard was outstanding last eaon, it was his best at LFC in my book.


The whole Ged Rafa debate is a non starter as Rafa's record is infinately better than Geds. For me Rafa is clearly a better manager.

I concur mate, I too believe Benitez to be a better manager.

But that wasn't the question.

[dww]

Gerrard would be a different player. I think he would definitely have a more defined 'best' position if had he bought up under Rafa. Not sure wether that would necissarily make him a better player, but it would make him fit in with Rafas larger plans much more easily.