Rafa Watch

[Daniel 7]

I hear you there, it wasn't until the second season we saw the best of Rafa.

My only concern is we are in the second season now with Kenny, and it almost seems like we have gone backwards. I don't really see the vision at the moment, be it with signings or tactics - it all seems a bit muddled and confused.

I never would have picked Carroll as a signing to fit in with pass and move, which used to be the hallmark of a Liverpool team in days gone by - especially during his most successful managerial spell of his career.

[Darkon]

Personally I consider this his first season becuase a half year as interim manager at the end of our most chaotic time ever, is not really something I think he should be judged on or a time for him to implement his system.

I in general just think it's about giving top managers time and most will succed then if all other things are equal.

[Daniel 7]

His recovery job was phenomenal last season, my worry now is that he's persevering with some tactics and players to the detriment of results. We seem to have moved away from what we were good at towards the back end of last season, I can't honestly see why we have done this. Sticking with Henderson wide on the right in a 442 seems a mistake to me, as does the first choice / default of a 442.

I'm puzzled by Carroll showing promise after a run and then being dropped. I'm mystified by Maxi becoming persona non gratis.

I haven't been as frustrated being a Liverpool fan since the back end of the nineties, and I really miss going into each game with the confidence that we could play just about anyone off the park.

Probably, we're only seeing the Hicks and Gillett effect hitting us now really, and it'll ripple for a while yet - but I can't agree with some of the decision making we have made these last few months.

[DannyMan2006]

I hear you there, it wasn't until the second season we saw the best of Rafa.

My only concern is we are in the second season now with Kenny, and it almost seems like we have gone backwards. I don't really see the vision at the moment, be it with signings or tactics - it all seems a bit muddled and confused.

I never would have picked Carroll as a signing to fit in with pass and move, which used to be the hallmark of a Liverpool team in days gone by - especially during his most successful managerial spell of his career.

I agree in respect it's hard to see Kennys long term vision. Thinking about it, this is my best guess.

I think he's been speaking with Steve Clarke. I think they saw us as a team who would perform like Chelsea under Mourinho. Solid and difficult to beat, with players up top buzzing about of a big man.

I think they saw Carroll in the Drogba role, holding up play and causing massive problems to opposition defenders.

Suarez in an Anelka type role, a goalscorer who can cut in from an angle.

Downing in the Malouda role, contributes goals and assists but hugs the touchline to give width more than what Suarez would do.

Then we'd have Gerrard bombing on like Lampard and an axis in the middle of Adam and Lucas, a creative player with a destroyer.

When you look at how each player bought performed with their previous club then it makes sense. It just all started to fall down when you get players not producing and players getting injuries.

In the case of Suarez, I think he ended up as elsewhere as a result of his exceptional play and others not performing.

[Phoenix07]

Even if we bring in Guardiola or Mourinho, it seems like some won't ever be happy unless Rafa's back in the Anfield dugout.

It's like some Chelsea fans with Mourinho. Stuck in a timewarp and can't move on.

I call it Rafa fundamentalism.

Let him go to Real Madrid and prove himself once again because there are an awful lot of questions he needs to answer first.

[Nicey]

Apparently he was offered the job last week, mid week and turned it down. Rafa fundamentalism ... I like it

Then put me down as a deep lying sleeper cell

[Daniel 7]

I agree in respect it's hard to see Kennys long term vision. Thinking about it, this is my best guess.

I think he's been speaking with Steve Clarke. I think they saw us as a team who would perform like Chelsea under Mourinho. Solid and difficult to beat, with players up top buzzing about of a big man.

I think they saw Carroll in the Drogba role, holding up play and causing massive problems to opposition defenders.

Suarez in an Anelka type role, a goalscorer who can cut in from an angle.

Downing in the Malouda role, contributes goals and assists but hugs the touchline to give width more than what Suarez would do.

Then we'd have Gerrard bombing on like Lampard and an axis in the middle of Adam and Lucas, a creative player with a destroyer.

When you look at how each player bought performed with their previous club then it makes sense. It just all started to fall down when you get players not producing and players getting injuries.

In the case of Suarez, I think he ended up as elsewhere as a result of his exceptional play and others not performing.

Not sure if I can see that tbh - fact is we tend to have 442 as a first option, whereas Mourinho is a 433 manager, and you pretty much described that formation in your post. Those players could be used like that theoretically though.

[Rishi73]

Even if we bring in Guardiola or Mourinho, it seems like some won't ever be happy unless Rafa's back in the Anfield dugout.

It's like some Chelsea fans with Mourinho. Stuck in a timewarp and can't move on.

I call it Rafa fundamentalism.

Let him go to Real Madrid and prove himself once again because there are an awful lot of questions he needs to answer first.

Hmmm a bit like the Kenny fundamentalism that it sweeping Anfield at the moment. Talk about being stuck in a time warp, 4-4-2, British players, Carling cup over 4th place, what next long ball football, oh wait.

I thought it was wrong to make Kenny permanent manager as it would always be hard to remove him for all the great things he did for the club. He signings have been ****, tactics woeful and now we're stuck with him.

I'll take it back if we get 4th but can't see it happening if I'm honest.

[DannyMan2006]

Not sure if I can see that tbh - fact is we tend to have 442 as a first option, whereas Mourinho is a 433 manager, and you pretty much described that formation in your post. Those players could be used like that theoretically though.

I think we ended up 442 as a result of lack of other options. Certain players not working out if you like.

[Phoenix07]

Hmmm a bit like the Kenny fundamentalism that it sweeping Anfield at the moment. Talk about being stuck in a time warp, 4-4-2, British players, Carling cup over 4th place, what next long ball football, oh wait.

I thought it was wrong to make Kenny permanent manager as it would always be hard to remove him for all the great things he did for the club. He signings have been ****, tactics woeful and now we're stuck with him.

I'll take it back if we get 4th but can't see it happening if I'm honest.

You sound absolutely gutted that he's the manager.

Kenny's received plenty of criticism this season. When you criticise Rafa, you're instantly looked upon as a Rafa hater.

For some, Rafa is the 21st Century Dalglish, so the fundamentalism is the same and both camps need to snap out of it and look at things rationally.

However, I am tired of every game we lose resulting in a 'Come back Rafa' plea without even looking at other alternatives if they're not happy with the current regime.

Seriously, it's a cult mentality (knowing from experience). I love the fella to bits. It's his followers I cringe at. The same applies with Dalglish for some people. And the same applies with Mourinho for the Chelsea fans.

[RichC]

I have a feeling we might see Rafa at Spurs next season, dunno why but I'm pretty sure 'Arry will be taking the England job and Rafa I think would fancy a go with Spurs.

[The_weatherman]

You sound absolutely gutted that he's the manager.

Kenny's received plenty of criticism this season. When you criticise Rafa, you're instantly looked upon as a Rafa hater.

For some, Rafa is the 21st Century Dalglish, so the fundamentalism is the same and both camps need to snap out of it and look at things rationally.

However, I am tired of every game we lose resulting in a 'Come back Rafa' plea without even looking at other alternatives if they're not happy with the current regime.

Seriously, it's a cult mentality (knowing from experience). I love the fella to bits. It's his followers I cringe at. The same applies with Dalglish for some people. And the same applies with Mourinho for the Chelsea fans.

I for one disagree, I felt bad when we sacked Rafa, I feel he is the best manager around that is a realistic option, he is also a great fit for the club in every way. I hope we get him back at the club, but saying that I'm not saying we should sack Kenny, far from it.

[Fernandinho]

I cant see Rafa coming while we still have Commoli.

[peekay]

I have a feeling we might see Rafa at Spurs next season, dunno why but I'm pretty sure 'Arry will be taking the England job and Rafa I think would fancy a go with Spurs.

The media in this country wont give him a chance. It is in his best interest to go to Spain or Germany. I think he can win the Champions League with Bayern or one of the decent teams in La Liga. Get his reputation back on track and then proceed with picking and choosing his teams.

[Liverpel]

Liverpool fans still pining for the glory of 2005 might want to pop by Trinity College this evening, where former manager Rafa Benitez will be present to accept an award for his contribution to sport.

Benitez, who is currently unemployed but has been linked with the vacant Chelsea manager’s job, will appear in Trinners to accept a Gold Medal of Honorary Patronage for his outstanding contribution to sport, a medal which is being awarded by the University Philosophical Society of Trinity College Dublin.

According to his own website, Rafa will also make a speech entitled “Belief, Determination and Success” and will subsequently be presented with his Medal by the famed “Phil Society”. This award, with a heritage of over five centuries, is made to individuals who have excelled in public life and made a worthy contribution to society.

Once he receives the award, Rafa will be in pretty esteemed company. The Phil, which according to Rafa’s website “has consistently been a forum for the radical debate of issues that both reflect and affect society” has included Oscar Wilde, Bram Stoker and Samuel Beckett amongst its members and has recorded the presence of guests of the calibre of Friedrich Engels, Karl Popper and Winston Churchill in the past.

Previous recipients of Honorary Patronage, meanwhile, include Al Pacino, John McCain, Bob Geldof, Stephen Fry, Bono, Naomi Campbell, and Dame Helen Mirren. We’re quite sure that’s the first time that the names of Benitez and Pacino have appeared in the same sentence, unless someone has previously remarked that both men have had goatees at one point or another.

Benitez is due to make his speech in the Graduates Memorial Building (GMB) in Trinity College at 7pm, which will be followed by a lavish reception afterwards. All members of the TCD Philosophical are invited to attend free of charge.