Tiotes Witch Doctor Posted February 24, 2017 Share Posted February 24, 2017 I wouldn't say he's an expert in game management, like. He absolutely is an expert in preparation, managing a squad and setting the team up tactically but in spite of what was accomplished in Istanbul, changing the game when things aren't going for him isn't his forte. Judging by what we've seen so far I would 100% agree with this, there's been more than a few occasions this season where we've needed to freshen things up our change approach after going down or drawing and hes kept it the same. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Howaythetoon Posted February 24, 2017 Share Posted February 24, 2017 He is all about his players knowing what, where, when and how and he trusts them 9 times out of 10 and to be fair they have delivered. Better players will see the football improve and of course our performances and results. Give Rafa 11 players 7/10 ability and you are going places, throw in a few 9s like at Liverpool and its major honours. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parsley Posted February 24, 2017 Share Posted February 24, 2017 I wouldn't say he's an expert in game management, like. He absolutely is an expert in preparation, managing a squad and setting the team up tactically but in spite of what was accomplished in Istanbul, changing the game when things aren't going for him isn't his forte. Judging by what we've seen so far I would 100% agree with this, there's been more than a few occasions this season where we've needed to freshen things up our change approach after going down or drawing and hes kept it the same. I think this is because Rafa prioritises 'control' over anything else - if we are having the lion's share of possession, winning the majority of second balls, forging openings if not necessarily chances etc then the goals will eventually come and there's little point making substitutes so as to upset the process. Blackburn away's a chief example - 0-0 and in supreme control of the game (if looking toothless) but Rafa opted to keep things as they were rather than bring on Atsu and/or Mitrovic and twist the knife; it was only until after they scored when he tried to drastically change things. That's the key I think; his subs are reactive rather than proactive more often than not but there's at least some sort of tactical justification behind the approach, whereas McClaren would inexplicably twiddle his thumbs until it is too late and Pardew would bring on a left-back for no reason whatsoever. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
UncleBingo Posted February 24, 2017 Share Posted February 24, 2017 I watched the Valencia/Madrid game in a bar in Valenica on Wednesday night, amazing game and needless to say, they all had much love for our manager and a few Rafa songs went up. Great night although it's fair to say it's all still a bit hazy. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
sempuki Posted February 25, 2017 Share Posted February 25, 2017 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
cp40 Posted February 25, 2017 Share Posted February 25, 2017 insightful. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kanji Posted February 25, 2017 Share Posted February 25, 2017 He probably wanted to strangle half of them today Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheInfiniteOdyssey Posted February 25, 2017 Share Posted February 25, 2017 Please play two strikers at home, we give teams way too much respect. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
huss9 Posted February 25, 2017 Share Posted February 25, 2017 Please play two strikers at home, we give teams way too much respect. the problem is we dont have 2 decent strikers to play - not even one when gayle is injured. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
sempuki Posted February 25, 2017 Share Posted February 25, 2017 http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/rafa-benitez-targeted-chinese-super-9918483 Amusing. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
duo Posted February 25, 2017 Share Posted February 25, 2017 http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/rafa-benitez-targeted-chinese-super-9918483 Amusing. Won't be if he goes. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stifler Posted February 25, 2017 Share Posted February 25, 2017 http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/rafa-benitez-targeted-chinese-super-9918483 Amusing. Won't be if he goes. He came to us so he could stay close to his family. Why the hell would he go to China? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
sempuki Posted February 25, 2017 Share Posted February 25, 2017 http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/rafa-benitez-targeted-chinese-super-9918483 Amusing. Won't be if he goes. He came to us so he could stay close to his family. Why the hell would he go to China? That's what I'm thinking. If it's true which it's most likely not it would be a bit of a trek away from his family. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
madras Posted February 25, 2017 Share Posted February 25, 2017 http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/rafa-benitez-targeted-chinese-super-9918483 Amusing. Won't be if he goes. He came to us so he could stay close to his family. Why the hell would he go to China? Everyone has their price. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr.Spaceman Posted February 25, 2017 Share Posted February 25, 2017 For the mirrion dorrar man. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ronaldo Posted February 26, 2017 Share Posted February 26, 2017 Lots of stories from our preferred media partner about him leaving since the window shut. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
merlin Posted February 26, 2017 Share Posted February 26, 2017 http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/rafa-benitez-targeted-chinese-super-9918483 Amusing. Won't be if he goes. He came to us so he could stay close to his family. Why the hell would he go to China? Everyone has their price. This - very true. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doctor Zaius Posted February 26, 2017 Share Posted February 26, 2017 Lots of stories from our preferred media partner about him leaving since the window shut. Makes you wonder whether the club are behind this. Destabalise his position because they'd prefer another yes man. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest palnese Posted February 28, 2017 Share Posted February 28, 2017 Must admit I'm really struggling with him. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
U2 Posted February 28, 2017 Share Posted February 28, 2017 Making a lot of mistakes. He did warn us... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dokko Posted February 28, 2017 Share Posted February 28, 2017 He's been poor come match day. No wonder Ashley didn't want to give him any more coin. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ronaldo Posted February 28, 2017 Share Posted February 28, 2017 Fuck off man. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gallowgate Toon Posted February 28, 2017 Share Posted February 28, 2017 f*** off man. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest neesy111 Posted February 28, 2017 Share Posted February 28, 2017 Miracle worker when you actually look at how shit our midfield is. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Banaloona Posted February 28, 2017 Share Posted February 28, 2017 f*** off man. but its true. with our resources he's be horrendous. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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