Liverpool FC Forum

[Scottbot]

I'm not saying sack the manager, but i'm very sad to say i've lost faith in Rafa. Last season was a real roller-coaster and the most i've enjoyed a league in god knows how many years. but, I'm struggling to get past the mistakes made with regard to personel and the way the team has set up and played this season.

Yesterday was only my 2nd game of the season but it was a baffling performance. I don't understand what Rafa is thinking at the moment. We were so easy to defend against, they simply parked the bus and we did nothing to change it. We started with Dirk up front on his own, I don't believe he should ever play upfront on his own, he offers no threat in behind, lacks mobility and the ball rarely sticks if you ping it on or lob it up. Added to this we had Masch and Lucas (the world's flattest midfield parntership) in the middle of the park and Gerrard feeding off scraps and mostly isolated with his back to goal. All Blackburn had to do was keep tight to Gerrard, deny Johnson any space to go one on one and track Yossi when he ran the ball inside. It was easy pickings. The 2nd half was better with Ngog coming in for Kuyt but the problem WAS STILL THE MIDFIELD PAIR, it was crystal clear to anyone watching that game. You don't appreciate it as much when you watch the game on the box but was so obvious. I simply do not understand why Rafa didn't respond, he changed the widemen which is generally the easiest and most common substitution you see from most managers when they're chasing a goal but why not change the system? Why not play Gerrard in the middle? Sorry to repeat everybody else's question, but why no Aquilani? Hell i'd rather see Riera given a go in there ahead of Lucas (or Masch). Rafa is like a rabbit in headlights so far as our midfield goes, how can he not see it? 

I can't find any positives from this season, I just want it over. We haven't been able to defend and it seems the only way we can get ourselves a clean sheet is to produce football (over the past three games) that is as un-imaginative and lacking in adventure as anything we saw in Houllier's final season at the club. I just don't know where we go from here?

I'm desperate for Rafa turns things around this season and I wouldn't trust these two morons to employ the right man and i'd be worried about who they might look to sell if someone with less power was in the hot seat but, if he doesn't turn things around quickly we're screwed

[NANNY RED]

I'm desperate for Rafa turns things around this season and I wouldn't trust these two morons to employ the right man and i'd be worried about who they might look to sell if someone with less power was in the hot seat but, if he doesn't turn things around quickly we're screwed

Same here Scott , im still backing him though as i still believe in me heart mate that he will  come good, But i must say im worried mate , very worried ,

Did you get your pie yesterday an all

Im knackerd , shot off from there an went to Newcastle to meet up with my husband to watch the boxing , Rubbish Apart from the Mitchell an Prescot fight an the Frankie Gavin bout, Im gettin to old for all this travelling , im seriously thinking about not going wed  night but i wanna be there for the protests,

[redbeergoggles]

Most STUP.IEST comment I have read on ANY internet forum EVER! You would obviously seek the opinion of a NUMBER of doctors if the first couldn't do anything numbskull.

This comment alone, pretty much sums up the st.up.idity, blind faith and almost sickening obsession of these so called "supporters" backing Benitez. Rest assured they would follow him anywhere, even into the miserable depths of finishing 6th or 7th, which is where we are currently headed.

This post confirms totally the immaturity of some posters ,I mean what is the hidden meaning behind the way you have typed  st.up.idity are you really that young and think its cl.ev.er ,or do you stutter even when yyyyyou   type   

[Emerald Red]

not many fans will suport him if we only have 6 win in 20 games.

Do you know what Lake's ,for someone who claims to have a huge inside knowledge of the inner sanctum of Anfield ,due to his vast circle of acquaintances ...... your understanding of the term support is vague to say the least and this statement provides the proof ,if indeed any were needed .

I think what is most baffling to you and your ilk ,is you cannot see any tangible reason why fans continue to back Rafa ,and that in itself is galling to you ,so on this occasion allow me the opportunity to voice my personal feeling on the matter ,and that is as follows : While Rafa is at the helm of this seriously rocking ship ,I will back him to the hilt because I believe him to be the man to steer us back on course ,and if them vile Yankees  happen to win this particular battle and oust Benitez
then I will expect this club to go into freefall, and then you Lake's can delight and enthral us with inside stories of administration and how Klinsman is  losing the dressing room           or maybe how Mourinho has walked after only two weeks as Liverpool manager due to not being allocated sufficient funds by the owners   

Took the words out of my mouth. The grass is not always greener on the other side. If an ailing patient is sick and the doctor isn't getting the patient healthy, what makes you think another doctor can get the patient healthy if the medicine needed can't be bought and the hospital is in turmoil?

Most STUP.IEST comment I have read on ANY internet forum EVER! You would obviously seek the opinion of a NUMBER of doctors if the first couldn't do anything numbskull.

This comment alone, pretty much sums up the st.up.idity, blind faith and almost sickening obsession of these so called "supporters" backing Benitez. Rest assured they would follow him anywhere, even into the miserable depths of finishing 6th or 7th, which is where we are currently headed.

 

Relax your kacks there. It was only a metaphore the fella made. Why get so upset about it?

Anyway, I remarked on how well the away support was in my first post in the match thread. Was great to hear that, and the lot that went there actually generated more noise than most games at Anfield this season from what I could hear, which is disconcerting if you ask me. Nanny mentioned a while back about the away support being better, and I think she has a point.

BTW Sandra, did you hear any booing at the end of the game? A fella over on RAWK, who was at the game, said that there was a group who were verbally chastised by others for doing do.

[Scottbot]

I'm desperate for Rafa turns things around this season and I wouldn't trust these two morons to employ the right man and i'd be worried about who they might look to sell if someone with less power was in the hot seat but, if he doesn't turn things around quickly we're screwed

Same here Scott , im still backing him though as i still believe in me heart mate that he will  come good, But i must say im worried mate , very worried ,

Did you get your pie yesterday an all

Im knackerd , shot off from there an went to Newcastle to meet up with my husband to watch the boxing , Rubbish Apart from the Mitchell an Prescot fight an the Frankie Gavin bout, Im gettin to old for all this travelling , im seriously thinking about not going wed  night but i wanna be there for the protests,

Nah I had chips an a pie before the game!!! Me cousin was going on about free pie but she thought we needed to get a code off the net to get it! I didn't realise you was going! Me cuz wasn't so keen on drinking in the away pub (being a Rover) so me, Steve an another lad had a few bevies in the 'Uncle Jack's' with me shirt covered!

Was pretty dismal game wasn't it, you see what I mean about the midfield? It was crying out for a change. I'm still backing Rafa, don't get me wrong and i've got too much respect for what he has achieved to post some of the stuff you we see on here. We need a bloody miracle though!

Still, one point closer to the title 

[Scottbot]

Anyway, I remarked on how well the away support was in my first post in the match thread. Was great to hear that, and the lot that went there actually generated more noise than most games at Anfield this season from what I could hear, which is disconcerting if you ask me. Nanny mentioned a while back about the away support being better, and I think she has a point.

BTW Sandra, did you hear any booing at the end of the game? A fella over on RAWK, who was at the game, said that there was a group who were verbally chastised by others for doing do.

It was a pretty decent atmosphere in the away end mate although it should be alright when you've got 8,000 in there! There might have been a few boos at the end of the game but i'd say it was a small minority. There was a bit of support for Rafa aswell although it wasn't sung with anything like the gusto you'd usually expect.

[tubby]

well over the last week i have heard some strange stuff about Rafa,Aquilani and Torres
1. Aquilani has been fit for 3 weeks but Rafa will not play him untill the team is playing better, if he is in the team and we get beat Fans and the owners might think he was a bad buy and has been a waste of money.

2. Torres was asked by Rafa to have the op, Torres asked others their view and was told it was not needed, Rafa and Torres had a falling out over this, Torres has been ok to play in the last two games but Rafa has told Torres that as he is not having the op he must wait longer to play as just in case he is not better (just to Torres off for not having the op)

anyway thats what has been said by members of the press rooms.............but we know what they are like.

Torres should have his op at the end of the season but he is probably too worried about playing for Spain. To be honest he should have taken more of a stern position with all those needless internationals and the confederations cup. I can't imagine how tired he will be come next season.

Hes not the only one who looks like he needs an op Bav , Stevie needs on an all , couldnt you see him yesterday i actualy felt sorry for him.

An did you have a free pie

No I never have good at games now. The one at the Chelsea game had me ill and I was not feeling too good after Fulham too. I don't know what goes in those pies but it's shyte! From now on it's BK only before the game. 

[Scottbot]

well over the last week i have heard some strange stuff about Rafa,Aquilani and Torres
1. Aquilani has been fit for 3 weeks but Rafa will not play him untill the team is playing better, if he is in the team and we get beat Fans and the owners might think he was a bad buy and has been a waste of money.

2. Torres was asked by Rafa to have the op, Torres asked others their view and was told it was not needed, Rafa and Torres had a falling out over this, Torres has been ok to play in the last two games but Rafa has told Torres that as he is not having the op he must wait longer to play as just in case he is not better (just to Torres off for not having the op)

anyway thats what has been said by members of the press rooms.............but we know what they are like.

Torres should have his op at the end of the season but he is probably too worried about playing for Spain. To be honest he should have taken more of a stern position with all those needless internationals and the confederations cup. I can't imagine how tired he will be come next season.

Hes not the only one who looks like he needs an op Bav , Stevie needs on an all , couldnt you see him yesterday i actualy felt sorry for him.

An did you have a free pie

No I never have good at games now. The one at the Chelsea game had me ill and I was not feeling too good after Fulham too. I don't know what goes in those pies but it's shyte! From now on it's BK only before the game. 

I know Steve is trying to shift two tickets for Fiorentina on Wednesday if either of you two need a ticket. I think he's asking 25 job each! And still having no joy!

[NANNY RED]

Ive got one Scott , Im knackerd today with all the traveling i was gonna give it to one of our lads , but i cant miss the protests against them two, Theres loads going mate you can get a ticket dead easy for this, Wonder why

[Scottbot]

Now this worries me from Benitez - "It's also a question of the other players being injured. Gerrard was injured before and is fit now. With Gerrard, Lucas and Mascherano we now have balance in the midfield."

Balance!?! Eh? You've got to be kidding Rafa, it's the most unbalanced midfield we've ever had, it is anything but balanced.

[tubby]

I know Steve is trying to shift two tickets for Fiorentina on Wednesday if either of you two need a ticket. I think he's asking 25 job each! And still having no joy!

Thanks for the offer mate but I've already got mine sorted. I know we are out but you would think people would still want to support the players out there.

What protest is going on nan? I should get into Liverpool for afternoon time so if there is anything going on please let me know.

[teamleader1]

I'm getting fed up now Red , Its been a depressing place even to view and not post lately, might be time to abdicate ,you never know maybe there exists out there a place were supporters actually post about supporting the club , it seems in cyberspace we our becoming a dying breed Red,  maybe I should leave it to the more impatient among us ,to drench the forum with their Rafa out threads ,lets face it our proud history of being the  most knowledgeable fans in football is safe in their hands (Isn't it ? ) ....   

What makes you think that anyone who thinks Rafa is a busted flush is not a true red or doesn't understand our history?
We've all supported LFC through the good and the bad times but you reckon the likes of me don't understand what the club is all about
Would I be right in thinking you don't know your from your elbow because you cant see Rafas glaring shortfalls?

I take it you think that Souness should still be in charge or Evans or GH?
Now do you really think we would have been flying high if we had stuck with one of them?
Have your opinion, but dont dream your any better a supporter or understand the club more than the rest of us!

[shawnk]

Took the words out of my mouth. The grass is not always greener on the other side. If an ailing patient is sick and the doctor isn't getting the patient healthy, what makes you think another doctor can get the patient healthy if the medicine needed can't be bought and the hospital is in turmoil?

Most STUP.IEST comment I have read on ANY internet forum EVER! You would obviously seek the opinion of a NUMBER of doctors if the first couldn't do anything numbskull.

This comment alone, pretty much sums up the st.up.idity, blind faith and almost sickening obsession of these so called "supporters" backing Benitez. Rest assured they would follow him anywhere, even into the miserable depths of finishing 6th or 7th, which is where we are currently headed.

 

I agree on this, there's always a second opinion.
But lets give Rafa our full support until the end of season, he deserved it after what he has done for us.

[maypaxvobiscum]

I'm getting fed up now Red , Its been a depressing place even to view and not post lately, might be time to abdicate ,you never know maybe there exists out there a place were supporters actually post about supporting the club , it seems in cyberspace we our becoming a dying breed Red,  maybe I should leave it to the more impatient among us ,to drench the forum with their Rafa out threads ,lets face it our proud history of being the  most knowledgeable fans in football is safe in their hands (Isn't it ? ) ....   

What makes you think that anyone who thinks Rafa is a busted flush is not a true red or doesn't understand our history?
We've all supported LFC through the good and the bad times but you reckon the likes of me don't understand what the club is all about
Would I be right in thinking you don't know your from your elbow because you cant see Rafas glaring shortfalls?

I take it you think that Souness should still be in charge or Evans or GH?
Now do you really think we would have been flying high if we had stuck with one of them?
Have your opinion, but dont dream your any better a supporter or understand the club more than the rest of us!

well said 

[Owzat]

Took the words out of my mouth. The grass is not always greener on the other side. If an ailing patient is sick and the doctor isn't getting the patient healthy, what makes you think another doctor can get the patient healthy if the medicine needed can't be bought and the hospital is in turmoil?

Most STUP.IEST comment I have read on ANY internet forum EVER! You would obviously seek the opinion of a NUMBER of doctors if the first couldn't do anything numbskull.

This comment alone, pretty much sums up the st.up.idity, blind faith and almost sickening obsession of these so called "supporters" backing Benitez. Rest assured they would follow him anywhere, even into the miserable depths of finishing 6th or 7th, which is where we are currently headed.

 

I agree on this, there's always a second opinion.
But lets give Rafa our full support until the end of season, he deserved it after what he has done for us.

Well let's take the sick patient example further, what about a dying patient? Do you let the first doctor treat them until the die, or try someone else who is a BETTER DOCTOR or looks at the symptoms from a different angle and tries something, anything?

What about the doctor who misdiagnoses symptoms and is killing the patient or making them worse not curing them? I question not only whether the first doctor is the only doctor we should try, but question his competence.

And I don't exactly have first hand experience of this scenario, but I worked with someone whose doctor is MY doctor and both they and their husband died, they changed doctors and were more than critical of MY doctor. So the doctor-patient example to try and make out Rafa should be persisted with falls flat on its face, not all doctors are equally competent, nor to they all have the same areas of knowledge, experience and expertise. I'm sure Rafa has his strengths, not sure what exactly they are other than throwing money at ordinary signings and a persistence with systems that don't work. I look at other managers who spot more bargains, sure some have more money but they didn't go out and try to hijack some of the players Rafa has spent big on in recent years.

IF we'd been comfortably in third or fourth and through in the CL then you could make a case that Rafa was having a blip, things might come together. But we're playing way worse than that, we've dropped FIFTEEN points out of the last 24, that's near enough TWO POINTS A GAME which is what we should be gaining not dropping

"There's always next season", well by that time it may be too late. Chelsea are looking formidable, Saturday's result aside, while the mancs won't stay looking second best for too long and there are spudz and citeh looking like they might get it right. I think the main problem citeh have is their manager isn't good enough, spent a sh1-tload of money and can't defend for toffee. We've have a back four and GK that cost over £40m and have been shipping goals like there's no tommorow (Reina, Johnson, Dossena, Skrtel and Agger)

Can Rafa organise a defence? No. Has he assembled a strong squad? No. Can he change a game? No. Does he have a good eye for a bargain? No. How many 'no' s does it take to persuade some people? We're constantly hoping that Torres gets fit and even with him in the side we've no guarantee of winning the league - he's played in plenty of defeats. Or should we pin hopes on wonder boy Aquilani who is soooooo good Rafa won't even risk him for a few minutes.