You don't think Rafa's been knocking on Charnley's door f***ing ages ago saying that he wants signings in asap? It's been all over the media that Rafa's been frustrated, from many different sources. As if this interview made the difference Murpy was more or less done before, except the finishing touches.
Nah he just waited until very late for a meaningless interview to sort it all out. Rafa's shy and didn't dare to say anything earlier. I can understand people mentioning it, but I'd like to think it's been more like "" "" than dead serious like you are, but maybe other posters on here are as sure as you are that this is the reason we're making signings now.