Rafa Watch

[rodo]

Would love him back

[ronanm]

Rodgers had less than half the experience Rafa did when he joined us. I think he deserves some leeway due to learning to be a top manager 'on the job'.

Fair point

If the team is based on good prospects then the manager shouldn't be imo - he should be proven. Rodgers isn't and seems to be constantly learning on the job. Europe, organizing a defence etc.

[Gray]

I'd have him back, not because its Rafa but because he's better than Rodgers

[dww]

He's a better manager than Rodgers is.

Rodgers had less than half the experience Rafa did when he joined us. I think he deserves some leeway due to learning to be a top manager 'on the job'.

[Rich]

He's a better manager than Rodgers is.

[ronanm]

Even if you do count that season, its still a full 6 years ago now...

Well, aside from Napoli, he hasn't really been in charge for any proper length of time. He's still winning things though, albeit not the league. He'll win one before Rodgers.

[Daniel 7]

Even if you do count that season, its still a full 6 years ago now...

[ronanm]

I don't think so, United's form at the end of that season was magnificent

Gerrard said himself he only felt like he was in a proper title tilt for the first time last season

It was good but we only dropped 2 points in the last 11 PL games, Utd dropped 8. We had 3 draws in January which scuppered our chances (Stoke, Everton and Wigan). We beat both Utd and Chelsea home and away that season.
Admittedly it might have felt more proper as we were top of the PL last season

[Daniel 7]

I don't think so, United's form at the end of that season was magnificent

Gerrard said himself he only felt like he was in a proper title tilt for the first time last season

[ronanm]

I'd rather Rafa joined Liverpool and managed to get closure on a job that was left unfinished, but life doesn't work that way. Also, he hasn't won a league title since early in the last decade, and hasn't come close to doing it either. I'd worry that he would turn Liverpool into top 4 contenders, no more, and get hounded out.

not true - if it wasn't for macheda we'd have won it

[Norbs]

I was happy when he left as him & the Yanks had gone toxic. I'd have took him straight back when we got new owners and if Rodgers went, he'd be my number one choice over anyone. Under him, you could take it to the bank that this summer he'd sign a top midfielder and players would want to come due to his record in Europe.

And players under him improved as long as they were willing to conform to the team ethos. He wasn't one for letting individuals just do their own thing, other than maybe the one behind the striker, but it was definitely a recipe for success. If I was FSG and I wanted a change this summer, I'd just give Rafa the whole budget and say do what you like with it.

110%, including the first part

[peekay]

Yeah fair points. That's how it would start alright but if it didn't work out and frustrations set in I'm sure Rafa and any other top manager would be more vocal about the restraints they have to work under than Brendan is cos they can afford to be, they are winners. Brendan has no pedigree so has to shut his mouth and carry on.

He's still not coming back though.

I think admitting it is their fault and being rational is not in the DNA of top managers. Given FSG's experience with sports, I think they will not have issues dealing with difficult managers. But given Rafa's history with the club, I agree with you on that it is very unlikely that he will come back.

It is a bit of a shame as I think Rafa is a perfect manager for FSG from certain angles. He can get a team to punch above their weight in Europe which is critical to increased exposure, revenues, and player recruitment.

[Daniel 7]

I'd rather Rafa joined Liverpool and managed to get closure on a job that was left unfinished, but life doesn't work that way. Also, he hasn't won a league title since early in the last decade, and hasn't come close to doing it either. I'd worry that he would turn Liverpool into top 4 contenders, no more, and get hounded out.

[G]

I'd say it's probably mellowed over time, probably not as divisive as it was then. I wanted it to end at the time but I'd have him back in an instant. I'd much rather Rodgers returned to the madness of last season though and made himself a legend.

[DannyMan2006]

Yeah fair points. That's how it would start alright but much like Rodgers is finding, if it didn't work out I'm sure Rafa and any other top manager would be more vocal about the restraints they have to work under then Brendan is cos they can afford to be. Brendan has no pedigree so has to shut his mouth and carry on.

He's still not coming back though.

Rodgers can't complain too much because he knew what constraints he would be working under. And even then, he will be quick to remind people of those constraints when things aren't all going to plan. Rightly so too. Why should he take all the flack? This squad lacks experience and they don't want to buy experienced players. Of course we will have issues.