Rafa Watch

[Phoenix07]

It doesn't seem that long ago when I remembered a 44 year old thin, fresh faced La Liga champion gracing onto the Anfield turf with the Liverpool scarf in hand. I can't believe that was 8 years ago.

Happy Birthday Rafa. Hope you're in a job soon.

[kingfunk]

8 years.. Wow... Man where are the years going

[Fredo]

.

[Craig_H]

.

Time to give in and get Botox, eh Nige?

[Fredo]

Time to give in and get Botox, eh Nige?

It's in the head, in the head.

[Mostar]

In the light of his recent birthdate here is imo one of best Rafa's interviews


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

[peekay]

Kenny praise for Rafa Academy work

Kenny Dalglish has paid tribute to former Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez for his Academy legacy.

Benitez was responsible for bringing Pep Segura, Rodolfo Borrell and Frank McParland to Kirkby three years ago.

The trio have overseen a significant increase in the number of youth internationals being schooled by Liverpool, while players like Jon Flanagan, Raheem Sterling and Jack Robinson have been given first-team chances.

Our U19s reached the semi-finals of the NextGen Series this season and Dalglish is delighted with the work being done by Benitez's appointments.

"I think it's been fantastic and it's a great credit to the changes that Rafa made three years ago, bringing in Pep, Rodolfo and Frankie," the gaffer told LFC TV after helping to welcome 22 new under-8 players to the Academy on Thursday.

"The way it has moved forward is a credit to anyone who has helped in any way, shape or form.

"It was Rafa who brought these people in and we should always be grateful to him for doing that.

"In years to come, if we get some players through it, I'm sure he'll be just as proud as any of the players are. And he should be proud about what he's set up here."

I think FSG's stand on Rafa will soften over the years when they hear the "facts" . He will be back sometime in the future, maybe not soon.

But he will be back

[kingfunk]

I'm sure FSG have no problem with Rafa, in fact I'd be surprised if they haven't exchanged emails at some point.

[Rich]

I'm sure FSG have no problem with Rafa, in fact I'd be surprised if they haven't exchanged emails at some point.

What about texts?

Late night drunken texts that they regret sending in the morning?

[kingfunk]

There was at least 1. Something about car keys and a bowl. Not sure who would have been the winner here but when Rio Ferdinand got involved the idea was scrapped.

[Rigadon]

The manager's first full season - slipping back in the league but reaching two cup finals, winning one on penalties and losing the other to Chelsea. Those were the days

[Mattshark]

The manager's first full season - slipping back in the league but reaching two cup finals, winning one on penalties and losing the other to Chelsea. Those were the days

Some major differences though mate.

We bought players to build upon in Alonso and Garcia
We challenged for the CL spot
We weren't on course for our worst CL season

[Rigadon]

Some major differences though mate.

We bought players to build upon in Alonso and Garcia
We challenged for the CL spot
We weren't on course for our worst CL season

Matt - this is old ground. Rafa inherited a squad that had just qualified for the Champions League. It was on the up, players were happy and the club was stable. It was a completely different story when Dalglish was made manager, last year.

We will get better but it will take time.

[Rigadon]

Incidentally, I think Rafa will be our manager next season. Just a feeling.

[Mattshark]

Matt - this is old ground. Rafa inherited a squad that had just qualified for the Champions League. It was on the up, players were happy and the club was stable. It was a completely different story when Dalglish was made manager, last year.

We will get better but it will take time.

It is old ground, but last year was not the problem, it was what we did 6 months after Dalglish took over.