Rafa Watch

[Bender]

If Rafa is there for more than a season i'll be amazed given that it's Real Madrid and there history of sacking managers.

[Doc_Piptorious]

Ok, treading controversial waters here (again) but does anyone think Rafa will be anything other than an abject failure at Real Madrid?

I think Rafa is a decent manager but he is punching so far above his weight (ahem) that its going to be a one sided battering and we should just throw in the towel now before he gets really hurt.

Depends on whether or not he gets much sway over the type of players that are brought in as the non Galactico signings.

On paper the Real Madrid squad looks to be within one or two signings away from being capable of being a superior version of the crushing machine that was Rafa's Valencia.

If Rafa gets the job and can create quickly a team that operates like his old Valencia team (but at a more destructive level) then I think he will get the crowds (and media mouthpieces) onside.


Ronaldo, Rodriquez and Benzema could well be Rafa's new Vincente, Aimar, and Mista albeit with the current crop all being superior players to their counterparts save for Rodriquez over Aimar.


The odds are against Rafa being a success, based on Real's track record when it comes to granting time to managers, but I do think that Rafa would have the players at his disposal to be a massive success if he himself can live up to his own early potential as a manager.

[Bender]

really needed to get Napoli into the Champs league to give himself so space at Real.....But you know that Bitch Ronaldo like the scum chelsea players will make it difficult for Rafa.

[danperkins]

Yeah I don't think it's a good move for him at all. The expectation levels as sky high at Madrid and anything other than winning the league or/and Champs league is seen as a failure. I think Barca will be unstoppable next season, but will be interesting to see who Madrid buy in the summer.

I'm looking forward to seeing a settled in Suarez next season & seeing what Rafa does with Madrid. Should be very interesting.

[Bender]

Rafa

[BigChief]

Ok, treading controversial waters here (again) but does anyone think Rafa will be anything other than an abject failure at Real Madrid?

I think Rafa is a decent manager but he is punching so far above his weight (ahem) that its going to be a one sided battering and we should just throw in the towel now before he gets really hurt.

[danperkins]

Very consistent player alright. He actually scored a couple goals more than what you listed there if his wiki page is correct.

His assist rate is more impressive than I expected it to be.

yeah he's a great player alright, surprising how consistently he's been scoring for years now.

Very underrated IMO & I didn't think he got that many assists myself. Always seen as a poacher type.

[Doc_Piptorious]

25 Goals & 10 Assists (2014-15)
24 Goals & 11 Assists (2013-14)
19 Goals & 8 Assists (2012-13)
27 Goals & 9 Assists (2011-12)
13 Goals & 6 Assists (2010-11)
29 Goals & 6 Assists (2009-10)
23 Goals & 9 Assists (2008-09)

Gonzalo Higuain Choke Artist

Very consistent player alright. He actually scored a couple goals more than what you listed there if his wiki page is correct.

His assist rate is more impressive than I expected it to be.

[Roboklopp]

Mr Bellend.

[Daniel 7]

Short term job before Liverpool, maybe...

[Chris]

[Chazza]

[danperkins]

25 Goals & 10 Assists (2014-15)
24 Goals & 11 Assists (2013-14)
19 Goals & 8 Assists (2012-13)
27 Goals & 9 Assists (2011-12)
13 Goals & 6 Assists (2010-11)
29 Goals & 6 Assists (2009-10)
23 Goals & 9 Assists (2008-09)

Gonzalo Higuain Choke Artist

[Chris]

Even when he scores 2 Higuain still manages to enhance his reputation as one of the biggest choke artists in world sport, bless him.

[danperkins]

Yeah no manager would turn down that job, even if they know it's always a short term gig.