Rafa Watch

[MrMichael]

I think he would work wonders with FSG's budgetary restrictions.

Really? Was that not something Rafa has had pretty big fallings out with boards at Valencia (the whole chair/table thing) and then at Anfield (ok, so mitigating circumstances)? I read on here all the time about how well Rafa would have done if he had "been allowed to sign the players he wanted".

Not to say that he wouldn't possibly do a good job back at Anfield, although I don't believe it would be anything like the guaranteed success many others here seem to assume it would be, but Rafa has never enjoyed working under constraints and tbh, in his previous stay at the club his more budget buys were of very variable quality, for every Arbeloa there was a Nunez or Josemi.

True probably of every manager, but when I think of Rafa's qualities, being happy working on a shoe string (if that is what we are) is not something I would naturally be inclined to put at the top of any list.

[MrMichael]

One thing you are always guaranteed with Rafa is a 0-0 at home to Fulham and one of your best players to be benched

And that the first sub will be made after 63 minutes

[Vermilion]

Really? Was that not something Rafa has had pretty big fallings out with boards at Valencia (the whole chair/table thing) and then at Anfield (ok, so mitigating circumstances)? I read on here all the time about how well Rafa would have done if he had "been allowed to sign the players he wanted".

Not to say that he wouldn't possibly do a good job back at Anfield, although I don't believe it would be anything like the guaranteed success many others here seem to assume it would be, but Rafa has never enjoyed working under constraints and tbh, in his previous stay at the club his more budget buys were of very variable quality, for every Arbeloa there was a Nunez or Josemi.

True probably of every manager, but when I think of Rafa's qualities, being happy working on a shoe string (if that is what we are) is not something I would naturally be inclined to put at the top of any list.

I didn't take the 'chair table' thing to be down to a lack of funds, more that they went out and bought players he didn't want and in positions he didn't want.

As for his time under H&G, well, lies lies and more lies, how would any manager put up with that ?

[Norbs]

Chelsea fan I know in his mid 50's put this on Facebook

'On 606 rafa interviewed talked a load of bollocks useless **** -roman I thought you wanted flowing football not the rubbish rafa will give you'

Who did he support up to the age of 40?

[Reece]

I actually think it's hilarious that both the first two results were 0-0

[Norbs]

Roll on the next 10 0-0s

[Shaggy]

One thing you are always guaranteed with Rafa is a 0-0 at home to Fulham and one of your best players to be benched

This "benching" thing is mad too, it's only ever Rafa who gets pelters for it.

Ferguson has had a different CM pairing for 7 games on the trot, he 'rotates' more than Rafa ever did, often leaves out Rooney or another big name. City regularly 'bench' Silva, Tevez, Nasri etc. No-one says anything.

Rafa does it - "HE'S DROPPED MATA!!!!!!!1", "MATA BENCHED!!!!". It's really weird. Bugged the **** out of me when he was here, now I can just laugh about it.

[Tee]

Agent Rafa has started his mission very well. I think this will be a very successful assignment.

[~LFCHistory~]

Really? Was that not something Rafa has had pretty big fallings out with boards at Valencia (the whole chair/table thing) and then at Anfield (ok, so mitigating circumstances)? I read on here all the time about how well Rafa would have done if he had "been allowed to sign the players he wanted".

Not to say that he wouldn't possibly do a good job back at Anfield, although I don't believe it would be anything like the guaranteed success many others here seem to assume it would be, but Rafa has never enjoyed working under constraints and tbh, in his previous stay at the club his more budget buys were of very variable quality, for every Arbeloa there was a Nunez or Josemi.

True probably of every manager, but when I think of Rafa's qualities, being happy working on a shoe string (if that is what we are) is not something I would naturally be inclined to put at the top of any list.

People seem to forget he spent 6 years here complaining about a lack of funds.

[red g]

This "benching" thing is mad too, it's only ever Rafa who gets pelters for it.

Ferguson has had a different CM pairing for 7 games on the trot, he 'rotates' more than Rafa ever did, often leaves out Rooney or another big name. City regularly 'bench' Silva, Tevez, Nasri etc. No-one says anything.

Rafa does it - "HE'S DROPPED MATA!!!!!!!1", "MATA BENCHED!!!!". It's really weird. Bugged the **** out of me when he was here, now I can just laugh about it.

more often or not City or United win though and its forgetten about. I actually think mancini gets plenty of grief for changing, not sure Fergie does, but then thats not the done thing.

0-0 fulham and you leave your player of the season on the bench will always leave you open to grief. He is on a hiding to nothing anyway it will take him to long to get them playing in a decent way, Rafa will always be defence first initially and he will probably be sacked by the time he can look at the forward line

[Neil Young]

People seem to forget he spent 6 years here complaining about a lack of funds.

Maybe that's because there was a lack of funds for six years compared to our rivals, which then were the three other top four clubs. It's certainly true when you compare our spending record with Chelsea's or Man United.

And did he really complain that much? Or is it how it was generally portrayed in by those well known Rafa lovers in the football media?

[magicalbarnes]

Some may call it two 0-0's, but another way to look at it is that he kept a clean sheet against free-scoring City. Admitantley a draw at home to Fulham is a **** result.

Im fully behind the BR and really hope he does well, as I dont want us to change manager again as we've had way too much instability over the past 3 seasons. But if you asked me for a straight choice between Rafa and Rodgers, its not even close. Rafa beats him hands down.

[Kenneth]

surely everyone calls them 0-0s.

[AnfieldForever]

Some may call it two 0-0's, but another way to look at it is that he kept a clean sheet against free-scoring City. Admitantley a draw at home to Fulham is a **** result.

Im fully behind the BR and really hope he does well, as I dont want us to change manager again as we've had way too much instability over the past 3 seasons. But if you asked me for a straight choice between Rafa and Rodgers, its not even close. Rafa beats him hands down.

I'd call that making excuses for the manager.

[baitman]

I'd call that making excuses for the manager.

brendan would spin it differently