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[red37]

Balague: Fans' singing helped Rafa stay

Written by Jim Boardman - Tuesday, 24 April 2007 



Spanish journalist Guillem Balague has written about how Rafael Benítez was convinced to stay on at Anfield thanks to two factors – finally being able to tell the new owners just how far Liverpool were away from winning a league title, and the unreserved support shown to him by the singing fans at the Anfield Champions League quarter final against PSV Eindhoven.

Liverpool fans were singing the Rafa Benítez song, sung to the tune of La Bamba. And they kept on and on singing it, making sure the boss knew how highly-thought of he was by the majority of fans. Balague timed it at 13 minutes in all, and although he says Rafa didn’t realise how long it was sung for he knew it was being sung: “He was aware that the fans were trying to establish a rapport by continuously repeating their revised version of La Bamba,” writes Balague, in the Times newspaper.

This singing came in the wake of another rumour linking Real Madrid with a move for Rafa, their former youth coach and a lifelong fan. Real later denied ever making an official approach, but with Rafa’s contacts and friends in the Spanish game there’s no need for an official approach.

Balague writes: “They are sending a message, he must have thought. That could be the only explanation because the lack of intensity in the match did not deserve such a homage. Rumours about Real Madrid’s interest in the Liverpool manager had forced the Kop to establish a new declaration of love and faith towards Benítez, which was rewarded soon after by the Spaniard.”

Balague also writes about how when Benítez finally met knew owners  George Gillett Jr and Tom Hicks after the Arsenal game, and again a few days later, the talks “stopped a mini-crisis”.

Balague is a friend of Rafa’s, as well as being a Liverpool fan, and he says that Rafa had “grown impatient with the speed of developments after the announcement of the takeover, but he was finally able to explain to his new bosses the dangers that Liverpool are facing on and off the pitch.” Despite Liverpool now being in the Champions League semi-final there’s no doubting they’ve underachieved in the league, mainly in a poor run in the first half of the season. Balague says Rafa told the Americans how Liverpool were “exceptional” in knockout competitions like the Champions League but did not have enough quality to win the league. In fact long term the club needed to restructured, “from the academy to the nonexistent marketing department, and the scouting system had to be revamped, mainly at youth level”.

Steve Heighway is leaving his post as director of the Academy at the end of the season, and it’s no secret that Rafa finds it frustrating that he is not allowed to interfere in the running of the Academy. Now it seems that Rafa will be allowed more of a say in how the players of the future are coached and also which players will be kept or released. In fact, according to Balague, Rafa will have a massive say at what happens at all levels – from a sporting point of view: “Benítez was told by Gillett and Hicks that they will rely on his capability in sporting matters. They understood what he had to say about the organisation of the club — agreeing that big changes were necessary — and promised rapid action and money. A figure for future signings has not been given to the Spaniard, but he will be able to bid for almost whoever he wants,” writes Balague.

The information on Rafa not being handed a transfer budget as such is not a new piece of information. Hicks and Gillett have been keen to say from the beginning that Rafa will get what he needs to move the club on. They trust Rafa to spend wisely, but they are allowing him to spend properly. If he feels a need to buy a player for £12m he’ll get £12m rather than be forced to try and haggle the price down to £9m before missing out on the player. Rafa will be able to go back and try again for past targets, and to go out and get other targets he’s had in mind.

And of course it’s not just a case of spending an eight-figure sum on established players, there’s also the benefits of putting together a good package to attract some of the up-and-coming players.

Those talks with the bosses and the singing from the Kop ensured Rafa stayed. His announcement to the press made it clear he wouldn’t be leaving, but those close to the boss say that he seriously was considering his future. Perhaps Liverpool had a narrow escape – we’ll never truly know how seriously Rafa was considering those overtures from Spain. The words from Balague certainly match what was reported at the time by the Liverpool Echo's Chris Bascombe.

Tomorrow night the battle with Chelsea is back on again. The two clubs have been thorns in each other’s sides since they both got their new bosses in the summer of 2004. Chelsea had been on top until the Champions League semi-final in 2005, having won in the league and the League Cup final. Liverpool’s win in the second leg was their first defeat of Chelsea under the new reigns of the new bosses, but afterwards Mourinho claimed Liverpool still hadn’t beaten Chelsea. He was referring to the Luis Garcia goal he still hasn’t managed to get over, saying it should not have counted, conveniently forgetting the fact his side would have lost their keeper and would have faced a penalty before having to get through the remaining game with ten men.

Mourinho had a little attempt at winding Rafa up after the draw was made, saying Liverpool had it easy because they weren’t in as many competitions as Liverpool. Rafa responded by pointing out that Mourinho only has a go at managers who’ve beaten him, which seems to have quietened the Portuguese manager down somewhat, with him preferring to have a go at Manchester United instead.

Perhaps Mourinho has been quiet because of what Rafa said happened prior to the semis of two years. According to Balague, Rafa used the confidence of Chelsea at the time to spur his own players on. Rafa said later: “When we heard that a few of the Chelsea players already considered themselves to be in the final, we took advantage of it by emphasising the fact to our own players. We were playing on Chelsea’s overconfidence by saying repeatedly to the press, ‘we are not the favourites, they are the favourites’.” Balague says that newspaper clippings hung from the walls of the Melwood dressing room. He also says that at the FA Cup semi final a year ago there was no need for newspaper clippings, the players had enough motivation from rivalries that had built up on the pitch.

Balague also hints at Rafa considering this is “a last chance given to Liverpool to show that the club can really match the manager’s ambition.” With Rafa deciding to stay at Anfield some thought that might be the prompt for Mourinho to leave Chelsea, but he was overlooked in favour of Bernd Schuster and, according to Balague, Chelsea couldn’t find a better alternative to Mourinho anyway. Balague writes of Mourinho: “…the lack of convincing alternatives to the Portuguese — despite a number of meetings involving Chelsea representatives and those of well-known European managers — have helped both club and manager to conclude that it is best to rely on the devil you know.”

Balague writes also about how Rafa was planning who would be sold even whilst riding the open-top bus in 2005 parading the fifth European Cup. Balague says Rafa was thinking much the same thoughts after winning the FA Cup last season too. And if Rafa does manage to bring home number six, he is far from happy with the quality of his squad overall, meaning more changes are afoot for next season. Balague points out that Rafa, already well-known for spending pretty much every minute of the day thinking football, will have even more work to do next season as his involvement in more areas of the club kicks in. Before the season ends and into the early stages of the summer Rafa will be ensuring key players like Xabi Alonso and Pepe Reina are offered new contracts before the club falls foul of new rules allowing players with short time left on contracts to leave at a knockdown price. Balague also talks of the club “building a small stadium at the academy to allow fans to watch the youth team in a cosier atmosphere.”

Rick Parry has frustrated many fans, not to mention players and of course Rafa Benítez, with what comes across as a very laid-back approach to running the club. The new stadium plans were effectively ripped-up by the new owners as soon as they arrived because of the low capacity it would offer. Steven Gerrard almost left because he was waiting for Parry to get in touch over his new deal in 2005. There are anecdotes of the club missing out on deals due to the attitude of there being no need to hurry, and according to Balague this has to stop, to “avoid a repeat of mistakes such as the slowness to sign Nemanja Vidic, which ended with the player going to Manchester United.” Parry has reportedly got a contract which allows him to stay on as Chief Executive for two years after any takeover, but with Foster Gillett expected to become based in the UK in time for the new season, and Rafa being given the job of negotiating contracts, it seems Parry’s role will be much-reduced for those two years.

Balague sums up: “The intentions of Gillett and Hicks are clear — to maintain the tradition that sustains the club, allow Liverpool to be self-sufficient and stable and also to give Benítez and his staff the chance to find the jump in quality necessary to rival Chelsea and Manchester United. No one expects that leap to happen immediately, but in less than two seasons we should be speaking of Liverpool as realistic challengers for all the trophies. If that is not the case, people will talk about this period in the history of this legendary club as a missed opportunity.”

The time allowed of “less than two seasons” may be too long for some, but Liverpool really do need to be looking like serious contenders for the chance to pick up their long-awaited nineteenth league title. Liverpool are currently 15 points away from the top of the league, having played a game more, and that gap is still too big. Even if the club don’t win the league next season, fans want to be part of a challenge that hasn’t already died by Christmas.


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[tubby]

Quality

[66-1112520797]

I wouldnt say quality, an interesting read an of course if true its not nice to hear about how close Rafa was coming to leaving.

Thats not good, what is, is the fact the fans on the terraces helped persuade a man who can sometimes come accross as a stand-offish kind of guy when it comes to the more "human" aspects of football. Its also good to see Gillett and Hicks doing there bit already, I cant believe Rafa couldnt have a say in how the academies run (is that why Heighway is off ?) Anyway its good to know the yanks seem to be doing their bit, and the more I hear about the "laid back style" of Rick Parry the more pist off I get at hearing things like 'we missed out on blah blah' and the Gerrard saga about his contract. I dont know but surely he cant be as useless as some have made him out to be.

[SJD]

It's sad hearing that one of our all time greats Stevie Heighway will be parting ways with the club in the summer. Steve gave us great service as a player and as a mentor to such talents as Fowler, Redknapp, Carra, Gerrard and Owen. We don't know exactly whats gone on, but its quite obvious that he and Rafa Benitez don't see eye to eye. He should of been stepped up long ago and the reserves coach would of suited him to a tee at the end of last year but unfortunately there's some sort of clash between him and Rafa and its seems it ends with him parting ways with the club.

Gutted.

[Sabre]

Erm.

The article says a lot of times Ballague and Benitez are friends. Is that a fact? or is it convenient for Ballague to sell books and articles?

I ask because I know a truly close friend of Paco Aiestaran, who is from his same town near San Sebastian, and his story and this one doesn't match exactly.

[SJD]

Care to explain a bit further Sabre lad?

[redtrader74]

You have to be thick to believe all things written in the press, even if they make you feel good, all stories are embellished to some degree. Can't see why he would want to go when here he is appreciated, and at Madrid he knows he will be lucky to get 6months grace. One thing that we don't need the story to tell us is that the backing of the fans can help a manager to stay, to know that the backbone of the fans want you and are happy with your leadership will make the man walk on air. I'm glad he is staying, he comes across as quite cold towards the players and i hope that after the fans showed what they think of him he lets the players know they are valued(re: Gerrards book, never told well done). Oh and Sabre tell us more 

[Sabre]

Well I have a friend who has close contact with Paco Aiestaran, as in his town everybody know each other and are of the same "cuadrilla", the closes group of friends who drink together and all that.

For me rumours are rumours, unimportant. And my rumours are not more valid than others, it's just rumours. I just want to contrast the version of this friend, and what that article says.

And according to what I know, Rafa had well decided to stay well before the PSV game, he just was a bit worried because he wanted to talk with the new managers.

I learnt aswell that Sissoko is a man that was brought by suggestion of Aiestaran himself, meaning that Rafa is not dictatorial but likes to hear his staff opinion. And no explicit mention to Heighway, according to what I know Rafa is chuffed about everything concerning the work in Melwood and the Club.

But this is rumour mill material. It has no credibility. I don't know by myself, it's just a rumour anyway. Not important. Irrelevant.

I want to know though, why everytime that this man Ballague speaks, the world stops, I want to know his credibility.

[redtrader74]

People are very gullible Sabre lad, he is Spanish therefore he must know everything about Rafa and must be his mate because they were overheard speaking in Spanish once!!

[Sabre]

That's my point. Ballague is nobody in Spain. And everytime he speaks in England it is a very heard voice.

I don't give credit to rumours, not even the ones coming from friends. And even less by people who sell books. I'm just sceptical, that's all.

[red37]

You have to be thick to believe all things written in the press

People are very gullible

you better hope those two comments aren't aimed in the direction of me lad.

its an article ripped from Anny rd via the Times Online website..nothing more than for the purpose of you lot to pick to pieces.....not the flaming messenger who posts it up. got it!  I didnt offer my own comments due to the piece being fairly comprehensive in its content. However controversially sourced or miscalculating in its intended audiences appreciation. The press, by and large survive for the purposes of making a profit. Who gives a s.hit whether Balague's up Rafa's ar5e or not. The fella usually speaks with respect towards his compatriots achievements - i dont see how gullibility enters the equation, just cos the fella opens his gob on a frequent basis.

So does Tomkins, Bascombe et al. Local journalists offering a balanced perspective (mostly).  I see no difference here at all really. Feel free to question Balague's reson detre in the matter, sure... but the snide digs can go pick a window with me fella.  (if of course they were meant for my benefit).

[Sabre]

I for one, I'm grateful you bring that Red37

each of us know only who are aimed at things, but generically, I also think that people buys what the press says, but not only in football but everything.

So I didn't take that comment of redtrader aimed at you!! you're one of the most serious guys here! Although I agree his whole idea of not believing eveything the press says.

YOu did nothing wrong in bringing that, we discuss news, rumours, games and that things here!! calm down everybody!

[red37]

Im calm mate...real chilled. Cold as ice infact.

[redtrader74]

You have to be thick to believe all things written in the press

People are very gullible

you better hope those two comments aren't aimed in the direction of me lad.

its an article ripped from Anny rd via the Times Online website..nothing more than for the purpose of you lot to pick to pieces.....not the flaming messenger who posts it up. got it!  I didnt offer my own comments due to the piece being fairly comprehensive in its content. However controversially sourced or miscalculating in its intended audiences appreciation. The press, by and large survive for the purposes of making a profit. Who gives a s.hit whether Balague's up Rafa's ar5e or not. The fella usually speaks with respect towards his compatriots achievements - i dont see how gullibility enters the equation, just cos the fella opens his gob on a frequent basis.

So does Tomkins, Bascombe et al. Local journalists offering a balanced perspective (mostly).  I see no difference here at all really. Feel free to question Balague's reson detre in the matter, sure... but the snide digs can go pick a window with me fella.  (if of course they were meant for my benefit).

Relax mate i just take all stories, 'Exclusives', with a pinch of salt, if you look at all headlines etc invariably a huge no. are without foundation and are usually supplied by 'a source close to...'and even this article can sound professional and credible but its one of those that can't be denied as it has no facts attached, so it's nice for LFC fans to read, but there is no basis to corroberate or deny the 'story'. Its obvious that the vast majority of people are gullible, look how many, Mirrors, scum Sun, etc are sold, i'm sure your not one of them?! 

[red37]

OK fella. i hold me hand up. Im sorry for going down yer neck there.

I dont get the paper here. The only one we get is the free thing with all the adverts in.  If it werent for the fact that you can get wall to wall footy on the telly these days, preventing the misus from having a field day...i wouldnt even want SKY in the house.  That sounds Hypocritical...but there are many of us who still do it, regardless.