Rafa Watch

[jonnygrunter]

good luck to him! i really hope it works out for him, he is a cracking manager and i dont understand why people dont seem to rate him.

[Rich]

Marca and others reporting Rafa plans to ditch Benzema and play Ronaldo up front with Bale as a no.10.

That'll put Zidane's nose out of joint, if true...

[rodo]

good luck to him! i really hope it works out for him, he is a cracking manager and i dont understand why people dont seem to rate him.

Because they would rather finish in 6th

[RedReet]

Marca and others reporting Rafa plans to ditch Benzema and play Ronaldo up front with Bale as a no.10.

He's sending him to us on loan.

[cream]

Makes sense as Rafa plays with one striker and Ronnie is the best striker at the club.

[Shaggy]

I think Bale in that role might work really well too, a bit like Sterling for us. He's obviously not a 10 in the classic mould but if he picks the ball up in those spaces he can just run right at the heart of a defence. Gonna be fascinating to see how Rafa does with all the resources.

[The_weatherman]

Wonder what means for James? He has Kroos and Modric in the centre, so who'll take to the flanks if Ronaldo and Bale go inside? Interesting to see what happens. Maybe he'll win Ronaldo over with this though.

[Buzzo]

Thats some set of problems to have though.

I reckon the only way Rafa can negate the fact that Ronaldo basically plays only for himself is by playing him as a CF - just leave him to score the goals and give the rest of the team the responsibilities.

[cream]

I think James will be no 10 with Isco and Bale in the wide areas. That's what I'd do anyway.

[The_weatherman]

Isco, of course, forgot about him. I can totally see why Rafa wants Ronaldo upfront, like Buzzo says Rafa can then others the responsibilities. But if wants Bale in the middle he'll have to sign wide players or use Cheryshev, James and Isco wide. Could Illaramendi have second chance now? It'll fun to watch how this unfolds.

[-V-]

Bale's best performances for Tottenham in his final season there came when he would run through the middle. He has the pace and agility to go in any direction and it becomes a nightmare for defenders. Out on the wing is too restrictive for him

[The_weatherman]

Bale's best performances for Tottenham in his final season there came when he would run through the middle. He has the pace and agility to go in any direction and it becomes a nightmare for defenders. Out on the wing is too restrictive for him

Can't remember who it was who said that both Messi and Ronaldo were playing too wide and they should be moved more central so they could influence the games more. There is a point in that, but Messi could play at right back though and still dominate.

[Buzzo]

If say one of Rafas greatest strengths is analysing a players strengths and weaknesses and I hen knowing how to deploy them in a team. Look at what he did with Gerrard. I think he can add the steal required to Nadrid, without dulling them as an attacking force.

He is a good man, it is his dream job, I hope it works out for him.

[Angryred]

Wonder who Rafa will get in as his assistant?

[Muddled]

Colin Pascoe.