Dom2

He did revamp the youth system which was, at the time, run by Steve Heighway. We have The Academy at Liverpool which was built purposely in a different part of the area, so as to keep all youth teams learning and training together, and Melwood was kept solely for the training of the first team. The Academy covers 56 acres and houses full size pitches, smaller pitches and indoor pitches. It actually covers everything a youth training centre should have from academic classes to sports classes. Once Rafa took it over he brought in top coaches to train the players in the way he wanted them to play in the first team. Every level was taught to play in the same way so that they could step up when needed without a lot of adjustment. He wanted a stand built at The Academy so that supporters could come and watch the team and build a bond with the youths, that one never came to fruition unfortunately. He would invite promising youths to train at Melwood with the senior teams for a week, which was good for the youngsters esteem, maybe that's what he wants at Newcastle.

Rafa was at Liverpool for 6 years and spent 70 million net. His last 3 seasons were spent under our first American owners who made him sell to buy.

To be fair though mate. Carra and Gerrard never really questioned his ability as a manager though. Just yesterday Carra said he was the best tactical manager he'd ever worked under. They just didn't warm to him as a person. Basically because Rafa never allowed himself to get too close to the players. He was the boss and he made sure they knew it. Didn't stop Carragher refusing to play right back the season we were going for the title, if you remember Mash played there, not very well. Gerrard and Carra were the heart of the club in their time so I will always be a big fan of both, but it doesn't stop me seeing that some of the things Carra did and said were out of order. Anyway, he's NUFC manager now and good luck to both.

Also, don't be surprised if he doesn't at first buy the players you think he should. He likes two players for every position first of all, and as the windows come, he upgrades where he can, depending on the money available. He is also very much a man who likes to buy versatile players. Gerrards best goal scoring season was when Rafa played him on the right, of course Gerrard didn't like it so, apparently, he got written in his next contract that he'd play in midfield only.

Redcustard has said most of what I was going to say. Really love this man, and same for me, if we didn't have Klopp I'd be so jealous. Don't expect your players to like him though, Rafa doesn't get touchy feely or arm around the shoulder with players, he expects them to be professional and if they need a 'cuddle' it's usually his assistant that does it. Thus, in 2005 when we won the EC Jamie Carragher said to Houllier 'it was your team that done it boss'. It wasn't, we won that cup with Rafas know how and coaching and two great Spaniards he brought in, Xabi Alonso and Luis Garcia, but it seems that Carragher carried his dislike right through. In Rafas last few seasons Gerrard and Carragher gained far too much player power with the then CE Purslow, hence the appointment of Hodgson, who Carragher thought was a brilliant manager. Rafa is as honest as the day is long, is intelligent, and can be very witty, but he's a control freak, he likes to build so don't be surprised if he tries to get control of your academy. On the pitch you can expect all kinds of football, Rafa has more than a plan b, his go to c,d and e. We played some of our sexiest football under Rafa, especially once he brought Torres in. The press never had a good word to say about him when he was here, but that was because Ferguson hated him and we all know who controlled the press in his day. Hopefully, that's all changed now the man is gone. His family still live here on Merseyside and they are a much liked and respected family, I've often seen Rafa in town having a meal with his family, but never in the bars. You have a great man and brilliant manager, who, given the chance, will take you forward.