Rafa Benítez (now unemployed)

[tmonkey]

Heart says he'll stay. Geographically he has limited options if he wants to live near his family, he connects with the region that we're in and its fanbase, he's on a well paid contract, and he's had his fingers burnt at the "big" clubs post Liverpool. Alternative options elsewhere might not be any better if they have similarly untrustworthy owners (e.g. West Ham), and the remote chance of a new owner at NUFC would unlock some serious potential at a club that has all the infrastructure needed to get to the next few levels.

 

Head says he'll go at the end of the season. He's been betrayed by Ashley in three transfer windows in a row, completely hung out to dry by people who have no interest in football beyond making money out of it, and has zero certainties going forward that the same won't happen in the summer and beyond. We got promoted because of Rafa's tactical abilities, nous, and steadfast approach despite having severe weaknesses throughout the team, and we'll probably stay up because of him too despite having a squad clearly not good enough for this league. He's the one who is keeping this clubs neck above the water despite Ashley/Barnes/et al trying their best to sink it. Why would he stay? It's like an abusive relationship that he's in, but an ironic one where he's the one saving the others hide. There's bound to be a few biggish clubs out there considering Rafa as a safe bet, e.g. post-Wenger Arsenal.

[Minhosa]

Heart says he'll stay. Geographically he has limited options if he wants to live near his family, he connects with the region that we're in and its fanbase, he's on a well paid contract, and he's had his fingers burnt at the "big" clubs post Liverpool. Alternative options elsewhere might not be any better if they have similarly untrustworthy owners (e.g. West Ham), and the remote chance of a new owner at NUFC would unlock some serious potential at a club that has all the infrastructure needed to get to the next few levels.

 

Head says he'll go at the end of the season. He's been betrayed by Ashley in three transfer windows in a row, completely hung out to dry by people who have no interest in football beyond making money out of it, and has zero certainties going forward that the same won't happen in the summer and beyond. We got promoted because of Rafa's tactical abilities, nous, and steadfast approach despite having severe weaknesses throughout the team, and we'll probably stay up because of him too despite having a squad clearly not good enough for this league. He's the one who is keeping this clubs neck above the water despite Ashley/Barnes/et al trying their best to sink it. Why would he stay? It's like an abusive relationship that he's in, but an ironic one where he's the one saving the others hide. There's bound to be a few biggish clubs out there considering Rafa as a safe bet, e.g. post-Wenger Arsenal.

 

Good post TMonkey.

 

I can't imagine him being particularly excited by another Ashley transfer window tbh.

 

He's not the sort to suffer fools, so I'd think their relationship must be right on a knife edge.

[Guest Howaythetoon]

I think he will leave after the season ends, unless Ashley sells up. I think he will have a good few offers and it wouldn’t surprise me to see one of or both West Ham and Everton go in for him, especially if WH stay up. He’d be a good fit for Arsenal too and I don’t think their fans would be averse to his style of football if it meant them not getting beat off shitty teams and becoming more competitive which Rafa would restore almost as default. He’s very pally with Wenger too so if he goes and the board asks him for any recommendations...

[Raconteur]

You genuinely believe he would go to Everton, after what he achieved at Liverpool?

[Disco]

Good chance for us to get a real man like Gerry Francis or Al Curbs if this fraud leaves.

[Dr.Spaceman]

We'd offer it to Paco Miguel, let's not pretend the club would give it a proper thought.

[Guest Howaythetoon]

You genuinely believe he would go to Everton, after what he achieved at Liverpool?

 

I don’t think it would be an issue for him, he has the respect of both sides of the City and it’s not like he’d be leaving NUFC for Sunderland in terms of rivalry. If anything joining Chelsea was a bigger issue given the rivalry between them and Liverpool over the years, although more of an issue for Chelsea fans than Liverpool fans at the time.

[xLiaaamx]

Going to west ham would be a silly decision.

[Kanj]

Don't see him going to Arsenal, Everton or West Ham.

 

This article from Martin Hardy gives me some hope he'll stay beyond his contract.

 

http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/newcastle-southampton-rafa-benitez-storm-clouds-clearing-set-on-right-path-a8250646.html

[Guest Howaythetoon]

Don't see him going to Arsenal, Everton or West Ham.

 

Maybe, but I can see all three being interested and that’s the worry for us. He’s far too good for us let’s face it and unless Ashley is willing to back him in the transfer market, he’d be mad to stay. Another season of trying to keep us up?

[TRon]

Don't see him going to Arsenal, Everton or West Ham.

 

This article from Martin Hardy gives me some hope he'll stay beyond his contract.

 

http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/newcastle-southampton-rafa-benitez-storm-clouds-clearing-set-on-right-path-a8250646.html

 

I agree, can't see him going to any of those clubs, I think he'd prefer to stay here given any sort of a decent budget, which we should be able to do next season. He puts a lot of hard work into the clubs he's at, can't see him wanting to start all over again unless it's absolutely untenable. He'll see out the final year of his contract anyway, and hopefully we'll get bought out once safety is assured.

[samptime29]

I think he will leave after the season ends, unless Ashley sells up. I think he will have a good few offers and it wouldn’t surprise me to see one of or both West Ham and Everton go in for him, especially if WH stay up. He’d be a good fit for Arsenal too and I don’t think their fans would be averse to his style of football if it meant them not getting beat off shitty teams and becoming more competitive which Rafa would restore almost as default. He’s very pally with Wenger too so if he goes and the board asks him for any recommendations...

 

Never going to Everton in a million years. 

[TRon]

I think he will leave after the season ends, unless Ashley sells up. I think he will have a good few offers and it wouldn’t surprise me to see one of or both West Ham and Everton go in for him, especially if WH stay up. He’d be a good fit for Arsenal too and I don’t think their fans would be averse to his style of football if it meant them not getting beat off shitty teams and becoming more competitive which Rafa would restore almost as default. He’s very pally with Wenger too so if he goes and the board asks him for any recommendations...

 

Never going to Everton in a million years. 

 

It always surprises me that people who should understand local sentiment don't get this. Rafa strikes me as a very loyal sort as well, so it just wouldn't make sense.

[AyeDubbleYoo]

I think it depends how much he's restricted. If he thinks he can push us up to comfortable mid table he might stay, even under Ashley. If not then he'll be gone.

 

At this point I would be surprised if the takeover happens.

[Anderson]

Don't see him going to Arsenal, Everton or West Ham.

 

This article from Martin Hardy gives me some hope he'll stay beyond his contract.

 

http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/newcastle-southampton-rafa-benitez-storm-clouds-clearing-set-on-right-path-a8250646.html

 

Ah man, proper reading that. Can't bear the thought of losing Rafa like.

[AyeDubbleYoo]

Don't see him going to Arsenal, Everton or West Ham.

 

This article from Martin Hardy gives me some hope he'll stay beyond his contract.

 

http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/newcastle-southampton-rafa-benitez-storm-clouds-clearing-set-on-right-path-a8250646.html

 

If I didn't know who Mike Ashley was then that would be pure bliss. As it is, there's a chance.

[Mole_Toonfan]

Not a chance he would go to Everton for obvious reasons, Arsenal is a moot point because Wenger isn't going anywhere until he says so and I get the feeling they'd want someone a little more attack minded as a coach.

 

West Ham are even worse than us, I know we've been trained to expect the worse but realistically none of these options are happening.

 

He's more likely to just leave and take a break from football than going to any of the above.

[Guest Howaythetoon]

I’m sure he has said before, when asked about Everton, it wouldn’t be an issue for him. My brother-in-law would have Rafa at Arsenal tomorrow because he knows he’s a top manager, but I agree Wenger will probably see out another year or two. West Ham prior to this season may have been a temptation, but not now. That said I think all 3 clubs would seriously look at him if they were to looking for a new manager at the end of the season. He will have options.

[Minhosa]

I’m sure he has said before, when asked about Everton, it wouldn’t be an issue for him. My brother-in-law would have Rafa at Arsenal tomorrow because he knows he’s a top manager, but I agree Wenger will probably see out another year or two. West Ham prior to this season may have been a temptation, but not now. That said I think all 3 clubs would seriously look at him if they were to looking for a new manager at the end of the season. He will have options.

 

I think Rafa would be met with much the same reception as when he went to Chelsea from the Arsenal fans tbh. Actually, maybe not that negative but I honestly think they feel they're a bit better than him and would want a certain brand of football played.

 

Klopp was the one they should have got.

[AyeDubbleYoo]

Guardiola was the answer for Arsenal, Klopp just in second. Not sure who is available now for them, limited knowledge of Euro managers.

[Figures 1-0 Football]

As if Arsenal fans would muster any sort of reaction like They’d sit there eating their spinach ravioli and slightly grumble every time Iwobi gives the ball away.

[HaydnNUFC]

As if Arsenal fans would muster any sort of reaction like They’d sit there eating their spinach ravioli and slightly grumble every time Iwobi gives the ball away.

[Guest Howaythetoon]

Aye I doubt Arsenal fans would bat an eye-lid and I’m sure when they start seeing their team push aside lesser teams and compete with the better teams in an organised, tactical fashion they would soon forget about the decade plus old glory days of the Invincibles or something. They haven’t played good football in years.

[Twinport53]

I think he will leave after the season ends, unless Ashley sells up. I think he will have a good few offers and it wouldn’t surprise me to see one of or both West Ham and Everton go in for him, especially if WH stay up. He’d be a good fit for Arsenal too and I don’t think their fans would be averse to his style of football if it meant them not getting beat off shitty teams and becoming more competitive which Rafa would restore almost as default. He’s very pally with Wenger too so if he goes and the board asks him for any recommendations...

 

Never going to Everton in a million years. 

 

It always surprises me that people who should understand local sentiment don't get this. Rafa strikes me as a very loyal sort as well, so it just wouldn't make sense.

 

The fans here in Liverpool just wouldn't accept it like, despite HTT downplaying the rivalry. Some people I recently worked with for example, were women who didn't pay particular interest in football, but would comment on how they love Rafa for what he's done for the city / JFT96 etc and one lass even named her dog Rafa People started actively asking about NUFC as they knew where I was from and equally loved Rafa.

 

It's similar to us, where even your nana or mam checks the football results or asks about the match despite not truly following the team. Liverpool fans hardcore or fair-weather would be absolutely livid at the possibility of Rafa managing Everton. And like Tron says, Rafa is sensible enough to appreciate that.

[Guest Howaythetoon]

I think he will leave after the season ends, unless Ashley sells up. I think he will have a good few offers and it wouldn’t surprise me to see one of or both West Ham and Everton go in for him, especially if WH stay up. He’d be a good fit for Arsenal too and I don’t think their fans would be averse to his style of football if it meant them not getting beat off shitty teams and becoming more competitive which Rafa would restore almost as default. He’s very pally with Wenger too so if he goes and the board asks him for any recommendations...

 

Never going to Everton in a million years. 

 

It always surprises me that people who should understand local sentiment don't get this. Rafa strikes me as a very loyal sort as well, so it just wouldn't make sense.

 

The fans here in Liverpool just wouldn't accept it like, despite HTT downplaying the rivalry. Some people I recently worked with for example, were women who didn't pay particular interest in football, but would comment on how they love Rafa for what he's done for the city / JFT96 etc and one lass even named her dog Rafa People started actively asking about NUFC as they knew where I was from and equally loved Rafa.

 

It's similar to us, where even your nana or mam checks the football results or asks about the match despite not truly following the team. Liverpool fans hardcore or fair-weather would be absolutely livid at the possibility of Rafa managing Everton. And like Tron says, Rafa is sensible enough to appreciate that.

 

I work a lot there and know people there on both sides of the divide. Liverpool fans absolutely adore Rafa while Evertonians respect him hugely. I think he could get away with managing Everton, of course it would bother a few Liverpool fans, but not to the point where he’d lose the respect of Liverpool fans to the point where they would hate him. I also think Rafa is tough enough and ruthless enough even to put others’ feelings aside if it meant he and his family had a good opportunity. Again I’m sure I’ve read him saying he wouldn’t have a problem managing the rival of a team he has had success at in the past and let’s face it, the rivalry between Liverpool and Everton is on a level with us and Middlesbrough for example.

 

It’s true what you say about people of Liverpool being like the people here, even if they couldn’t name you a player, they want their club to do well and Rafa is idolised in Liverpool by all it seems.

 

When I took the boys to the Luton FA Cup game in Jan one women on the bus said who are we playing? And then said well hopefully they will win for you boys when we got off. I imagine she couldn’t name a single player.

 

I could see Everton being in for Rafa like and I’m certain it’s not a job he would just rule out just like that. I can’t see him going there though to be honest. Moreso as I think he may have bigger suitors should he leave us, especially abroad.