Rafael Benitez

[themanupstairs]

Its the hysterical emotive s*** that is absolutley appalling. It's childish as f***.

 

But but, aren't we allowed to rip right into him? How long before we're allowed to call him fat, and Spanish? How long before we can comment on a minimum wage job which he may or not have had in the past?

[Altamullan]

This is an 'interesting' read today... Really don't agree with/understand the 'Rafa changes things loads' (during matches) and 'he over prepares for the opposition' claims. My sense is he defaults to a 'let them worry about us' strategy. My personal frustration with this, is that this doesn't seem as flexible as I would like to see. And yes this includes wishing to see a more attacking formation from time to time; especially against more aggressive/physical sides who seem to easily snuff (stamp!) out our one striker outball.

 

That said, I had a bit of an epiphany re this yesterday, and feel better than I did about what I was beginning to see as pig headedness. The basis of the 'let them worry about us' approach requires neatly fitting square pegs in square holes. It seems more reliant on players fit for the purpose of their allocated role. I think it needs this more so than a fluid,  'go out there and play' Keegan type approach, where as long as the player has some strengths/is good he can express them. In a Rafa team, they have to have the particular skill set, for that role. Versus Sheffield Wed (in general?) Colback, Gouffran, Diame (to name but three) are round pegs IMO. Perez ... god knows what shape he is, but it doesn't appear to be a neat fit in any hole. Plus others were a little off form/outplayed. Getting players to do what he wants/fit his positional responsibilities is key. So, he will build his squad. He knows what he is doing. Is it going to be frustrating  at times: yes. Is it going to look overly safe, at times: yes. But then some knew this. Many never much liked his Liverpool style of play, but it was effective and he knows how to win.

[merlin]

FWIW, I think a lot of your fears aren't based in reality. Rafa's plan B won him the Champions League, man. He changes things up during matches a lot, it not always working isn't the same as him not changing anything.

 

He did, but he had better players at his disposal then than he has now....some fans have built our squad up to be PL quality...and it is NOT. Players like Colback and Dummett, to name just 2, should not be in a PL squad.

 

Good thing we're not in the Premier League then.

Er - isn't that where we are trying to get to by any chance...?

[Darth Crooks]

Heads in the sands we'll be promoted ffs. I don't care if we match or beat or points total or win the league - we'll just get the job done. People are right in the sense that we are a far cry from premier league mainstay quality but the man has made some savvy acquisitions, has the window coming up and the credentials/rationale to back his own decisions. Some of these comments smack of impatience. We were dumped here with good reason and this is very much a rebuild.

[shintonsghost]

Interesting thoughts from fans, im trying not to panic.

 

We are on track, like others im only bothered about going up, whichever way that is the end game.i dont agree with folk shooting down others who question Rafa, its like you are an idiot to question stuff.

 

We play Forest on Friday then away to Blackburn, im uncomfortable about both games now, Rafa needs to get them up for Friday and we will be back on track if we win.

 

The pack are closing, it will be just like us to fuck this up in the playoffs, its the way we roll.

 

Im still with Rafa, but please dont castigate those that pull him up, he's not a genius is he?

[Guest firetotheworks]

Beds being wet aal owa the shop.

 

Some people don't know they're born/remember that our last three managers were John Carver, Steve McLaren, and Alan Pardew. It's quite alarming how quickly people have taken things for granted. We're owed NOTHING by Rafa, learn to have a bit of faith and humility.

So hes not allowed criticism at all?

Of course he is, it's the extent that it's going to that's O.T.T imo.

[shintonsghost]

Beds being wet aal owa the shop.

 

Some people don't know they're born/remember that our last three managers were John Carver, Steve McLaren, and Alan Pardew. It's quite alarming how quickly people have taken things for granted. We're owed NOTHING by Rafa, learn to have a bit of faith and humility.

So hes not allowed criticism at all?

Of course he is, it's the extent that it's going to that's O.T.T imo.

 

 

To be fair i dont think its OTT at all, we were beaten and people react, calm down then offer an opinion, ive been guilty of bedwetting early in the season, im learning to think of the end result then judge.the club is better with Rafa and that shines through thankfully

[Hanshithispantz]

Its the hysterical emotive shit that is absolutley appalling. It's childish as fuck.

people like Yorkie and Ronaldo have been plenty critical of him without going on like lunatics. They've made great points and it hasn't been a chore to read. Our home form is terrible and Rafa has to take the blame for that - we've ballanced that out with a ridiculous away record and an allergy to drawing games. No need for anyone to go over the top.

[Darth Crooks]

We're too conservative at home but then again I don't think we're blessed with such attacking talent that it's beyond the system that for the most part has worked. Needs time and resources to troubleshoot in the new year

[Wallsendmag]

It's quite astonishing how much Ashley has basically trodden on the fans and totally destroyed any expectation or ambition. Fans are right to criticise what was the latest of 4 absolutely abysmal home defeats before December is even out yet others say they aren't entitled to voice an opinion because we used to be managed by Joe Kinnear,  Alan Pardew and John Carver. We're Newcastle United, one of the biggest clubs in the Country. Our expectations should be higher than meek home defeats to the likes of Sheff Wed, Blackburn Rovers,  Wolves and Huddersfield Town. It's an awful league, the standard is atrocious. Thankfully we can afford plenty more poor displays in the 2nd half of the season and still win promotion comfortably, which we will.

[Foluwashola]

In isolation those games were atrocious but at the halfway point we're on course for 98 points which will see us up comfortably. Doubt anyone would have turned their noses up at that at the start of the season.

 

Rafa's got this.

[Wallsendmag]

In isolation those games were atrocious but at the halfway point we're on course for 98 points which will see us up comfortably. Doubt anyone would have turned their noses up at that at the start of the season.

 

Rafa's got this.

 

Course he has. We'll go up no problem but anyone who sat through that in the freezing cold the other night is well within their rights to question the latest in several awful home performances. I love Rafa, and as has been said, he owes us nothing after staying on when he could easily have walked away but I just wish he would be a little braver at home.

[Guest neesy111]

Things to improve:

 

Our home form.

When we go behind.

 

Those for me are quite reasonable things he needs to improve upon for the 2nd part of the season.

[Wallsendmag]

Things to improve:

 

Our home form.

When we go behind.

 

Those for me are quite reasonable things he needs to improve upon for the 2nd part of the season.

 

Don't think anyone could have any arguments with that.

[Leazes_End_Mag]

Beds being wet aal owa the shop.

 

Some people don't know they're born/remember that our last three managers were John Carver, Steve McLaren, and Alan Pardew. It's quite alarming how quickly people have taken things for granted. We're owed NOTHING by Rafa, learn to have a bit of faith and humility.

So hes not allowed criticism at all?

Of course he is, it's the extent that it's going to that's O.T.T imo.

 

I don't think any of what i've seen has been O.T.T. Nobody is acting like bairns and screaming for sackings as it doesn't take a genius to work out that he has completely transformed the club and he is by far and away the best manager and person we could possibly have at the club, but it also doesn't take a genius to work out that we shouldn't be losing 6 times, 4 of them at home, before January and therefore he's not immune from criticism, especially when the latest defeat came down to tactics and tactics only IMO.

[UncleBingo]

It's quite astonishing how much Ashley has basically trodden on the fans and totally destroyed any expectation or ambition. Fans are right to criticise what was the latest of 4 absolutely abysmal home defeats before December is even out yet others say they aren't entitled to voice an opinion because we used to be managed by Joe Kinnear,  Alan Pardew and John Carver. We're Newcastle United, one of the biggest clubs in the Country. Our expectations should be higher than meek home defeats to the likes of Sheff Wed, Blackburn Rovers,  Wolves and Huddersfield Town. It's an awful league, the standard is atrocious. Thankfully we can afford plenty more poor displays in the 2nd half of the season and still win promotion comfortably, which we will.

 

I think it's that sort of self entitled arrogance that has fans of other clubs labelling us as deluded. Three of the four sides you mentioned have won a domestic trophy more recently than us, and Huddersfield are 3 times league champions.

We are well supported with a big ground but that's about it, we really need to stop this one of the biggest clubs in the country nonsense.....although that's not to say we couldn't be.

[Hanshithispantz]

It's quite astonishing how much Ashley has basically trodden on the fans and totally destroyed any expectation or ambition. Fans are right to criticise what was the latest of 4 absolutely abysmal home defeats before December is even out yet others say they aren't entitled to voice an opinion because we used to be managed by Joe Kinnear,  Alan Pardew and John Carver. We're Newcastle United, one of the biggest clubs in the Country. Our expectations should be higher than meek home defeats to the likes of Sheff Wed, Blackburn Rovers,  Wolves and Huddersfield Town. It's an awful league, the standard is atrocious. Thankfully we can afford plenty more poor displays in the 2nd half of the season and still win promotion comfortably, which we will.

And they are. Don't think anyone would be happy if we're not promoted. And it'd be disappointing if we don't go up as Champions.

 

People being accused of sticking their heads in the sand because they haven't thrown their toys out the pram though. Personally I think our team is a bit overrated and the main reason we're in the top 2, and not fighting out with the rest of the pack, is because of Rafa. Like any manager though you take the good with the bad, and Rafa has his bad points no doubt, but he's by a distance the most distinguished manager we've ever had and it's pretty disheartening to see people jumping on his back every time he falters. In isolation the 6 defeats are bad but that's ignoring the pretty incredible runs of form we've been on around them. To the point Brighton are only 2 points ahead of us having the season of their lives.

[Wallsendmag]

It's quite astonishing how much Ashley has basically trodden on the fans and totally destroyed any expectation or ambition. Fans are right to criticise what was the latest of 4 absolutely abysmal home defeats before December is even out yet others say they aren't entitled to voice an opinion because we used to be managed by Joe Kinnear,  Alan Pardew and John Carver. We're Newcastle United, one of the biggest clubs in the Country. Our expectations should be higher than meek home defeats to the likes of Sheff Wed, Blackburn Rovers,  Wolves and Huddersfield Town. It's an awful league, the standard is atrocious. Thankfully we can afford plenty more poor displays in the 2nd half of the season and still win promotion comfortably, which we will.

And they are. Don't think anyone would be happy if we're not promoted. And it'd be disappointing if we don't go up as Champions.

 

People being accused of sticking their heads in the sand because they haven't thrown their toys out the pram though. Personally I think our team is a bit overrated and the main reason we're in the top 2, and not fighting out with the rest of the pack, is because of Rafa. Like any manager though you take the good with the bad, and Rafa has his bad points no doubt, but he's by a distance the most distinguished manager we've ever had and it's pretty disheartening to see people jumping on his back every time he falters. In isolation the 6 defeats are bad but that's ignoring the pretty incredible runs of form we've been on around them. To the point Brighton are only 2 points ahead of us having the season of their lives.

 

That's just the thing. I haven't seen anyone jumping on his back/shouting for his head etc. The criticism I've read has been pretty balanced and fair. The home form is a concern as is our response when we go a goal down. People saying he maybe could be a bit braver at home may well have a valid point as well. If fans aren't allowed to voice an opinion they may as well close messageboards like this down.

[Darth Crooks]

All that big club debate nonsense is all well and good and we are a huge club. We've been run for the past decade like Rushden and diamonds however, and should see the progress towards the big club potential as a sliding scale rather than a flick switch. In plenty happy in the league with manager that gets things wrong over ones that get nothing right and don't admit to it.

[Hanshithispantz]

It's quite astonishing how much Ashley has basically trodden on the fans and totally destroyed any expectation or ambition. Fans are right to criticise what was the latest of 4 absolutely abysmal home defeats before December is even out yet others say they aren't entitled to voice an opinion because we used to be managed by Joe Kinnear,  Alan Pardew and John Carver. We're Newcastle United, one of the biggest clubs in the Country. Our expectations should be higher than meek home defeats to the likes of Sheff Wed, Blackburn Rovers,  Wolves and Huddersfield Town. It's an awful league, the standard is atrocious. Thankfully we can afford plenty more poor displays in the 2nd half of the season and still win promotion comfortably, which we will.

And they are. Don't think anyone would be happy if we're not promoted. And it'd be disappointing if we don't go up as Champions.

 

People being accused of sticking their heads in the sand because they haven't thrown their toys out the pram though. Personally I think our team is a bit overrated and the main reason we're in the top 2, and not fighting out with the rest of the pack, is because of Rafa. Like any manager though you take the good with the bad, and Rafa has his bad points no doubt, but he's by a distance the most distinguished manager we've ever had and it's pretty disheartening to see people jumping on his back every time he falters. In isolation the 6 defeats are bad but that's ignoring the pretty incredible runs of form we've been on around them. To the point Brighton are only 2 points ahead of us having the season of their lives.

 

That's just the thing. I haven't seen anyone jumping on his back/shouting for his head etc. The criticism I've read has been pretty balanced and fair. The home form is a concern as is our response when we go a goal down. People saying he maybe could be a bit braver at home may well have a valid point as well. If fans aren't allowed to voice an opinion they may as well close messageboards like this down.

That's fair enough like. I've been in and out the thread the last couple of days and a lot of what I'm referring too was probably soon after the defeat when emotions are running high. Just sense after every dip in form negativity starts to rise to pretty annoying levels, it happened around the Norwich game and it seems like it's happening again now - maybe not - I agree with a lot of what I'm reading tbh. But then you get fans coming out trying to tell us how Rafa needs to do things, as if he's unaware of our downsides or something. Like he's just too numb not to 'play 2 up top and blow everyone out the water'. Something which might work in hindsight, but across the season I think sticking to his plan will net us the most points. Sewelly I think posted something similar a while back and I think it's turned out to be pretty much bang on.

[jackyboy]

When you consider the shit state we were in when he took over I think he has performed a miracle, plus it was some sort of miracle that he came here in the first place. He will build it steadily and solidly like he does with everything

[triggs]

When you consider the shit state we were in when he took over I think he has performed a miracle, plus it was some sort of miracle that he came here in the first place. He will build it steadily and solidly like he does with everything

He's done pretty much as well as we expected, wouldn't call it a miracle

[Tiotes Witch Doctor]

When you consider the shit state we were in when he took over I think he has performed a miracle, plus it was some sort of miracle that he came here in the first place. He will build it steadily and solidly like he does with everything

He's done pretty much as well as we expected, wouldn't call it a miracle

Aye, McClaren would have probably gave us a good go of getting back into the PL truth be told, but all the background work and restoring some class and pride to the club is invaluable.

 

But on the football side of things we wont really experience the full Rafa benefit until we're back in the big time.

[Kanj]

He should be pushing like hell to make the 3-5 signings in January to solidify promotion, and further add to his competition for places mentality. He's incredibly ruthless and I can only assume based on his successful career thus-far, that he's been working feverishly on diagnosing and implementing solutions to fix the home form and response when conceding and coming back from behind.

 

Thankfully it's not some tosser like we've had in the past taking this task on with getting us back in the PL, it's Rafa Benitez. I'm expecting an angry response this Friday and 3 points from our team - hopefully a performance to get everyone fired up again.

[TRon]

We're too conservative at home but then again I don't think we're blessed with such attacking talent that it's beyond the system that for the most part has worked. Needs time and resources to troubleshoot in the new year

 

Someone mentioned before that Rafa doesn't totally trust our team to be able to throw too many players forward, and if you look at his comments after the game, he seemed more bothered that we allowed them to counter attack us rather than us failing to create much. While I did think that line up had far too many cloggers in it on Sunday, maybe we are overrating the effectiveness of our attack. Only Gayle seems to have caused real problems to championship defences, the rest have been contained pretty easily.