Rafa Benítez (now unemployed)

[Raconteur]

Surely a wind-up. Even our 15/16 side featured more out-right talent than the current team, certainly now the likes of Diame, Ritchie and Perez have totally burned out and Kenedy's forgotten how to play. Sure, there was a boatload of crap and even the good ones were horribly flawed because they didn't want to fight - but we've got no one with the same ability as Wijnaldum, Sissoko, Townsend, Mitrovic or Janmaat. Probably Thauvin too if the last couple of years are anything to go by. Dubravka and one of the centre-backs are probably the only ones better 'on paper'.

 

11/12 and 12/13? They were on an entirely different level. There wouldn't even be a doubt about being top half if Rafa had that standard of player to choose from.

 

The bit in bold is massive overstatement, but it's deeply concerning that all four of these players are well off the boil. I think this is the only place Rafa can make improvements - getting our players into good form. Unfortunately, it seems he's struggling to do that (for about ten billion reasons, but struggling nonetheless).

[Yorkie]

They have burned out though, they're way below the standard they were at during our good runs earlier in the year. There's no wonder, like;  they've played out of their skin for two years and they've not been rewarded with any opportunity for progress. Even consummate professionals like the ones we've got will falter when there's fuck all to play for. Season 1: we need to get promoted. Season 2: we need to survive. There's no next step now; no intention to go further and the manager will be gone soon. We've already reached our ceiling and have now stagnated.

[Dave]

Yep.

[Raconteur]

They have burned out though, they're way below the standard they were at during our good runs earlier in the year. There's no wonder, like;  they've played out of their skin for two years and they've not been rewarded with any opportunity for progress. Even consummate professionals like the ones we've got will falter when there's fuck all to play for. Season 1: we need to get promoted. Season 2: we need to survive. There's no next step now; no intention to go further and the manager will be gone soon. We've already reached our ceiling and have now stagnated.

 

I agree with most of that, but "burned out" suggested that they're completely finished as players. I certainly have hopes for Ayoze and Kenedy to perform better, and while I had been firmly in the "it's not a purple patch" camp, it's starting to looking like it was a purple patch for Diame.

[Greg]

They have burned out though, they're way below the standard they were at during our good runs earlier in the year. There's no wonder, like;  they've played out of their skin for two years and they've not been rewarded with any opportunity for progress. Even consummate professionals like the ones we've got will falter when there's f*** all to play for. Season 1: we need to get promoted. Season 2: we need to survive. There's no next step now; no intention to go further and the manager will be gone soon. We've already reached our ceiling and have now stagnated.

 

I agree with most of that, but "burned out" suggested that they're completely finished as players.

 

No it doesn't.

 

 

[Odear]

As much as Rafa has coached a few of the players on to better performances, one thing really stands out.

 

He’s spent over 60 million over three seasons on players that rarely play if at all. Total dross.

 

That’s a possible 6 x 10m players who could have come in and made a difference.

 

Or 3 x 20m.. even just three very decent players could have made a massive difference to this team.

 

I’m not even counting the free transfers who never played and but took up wage budget.

 

He’s bought poorly for the most part and I think this is probably the root of Ashley’s stance, or his excuse possibly for not backing him.

 

Sacking him will cost about 3 million (half a season) it’s not beyond the possibility that this could happen sooner than we think.

[ToonArmy1892]

As much as Rafa has coached a few of the players on to better performances, one thing really stands out.

 

He’s spent over 60 million over three seasons on players that rarely play if at all. Total dross.

 

That’s a possible 6 x 10m players who could have come in and made a difference.

 

Or 3 x 20m.. even just three very decent players could have made a massive difference to this team.

 

I’m not even counting the free transfers who never played and but took up wage budget.

 

He’s bought poorly for the most part and I think this is probably the root of Ashley’s stance, or his excuse possibly for not backing him.

 

Sacking him will cost about 3 million (half a season) it’s not beyond the possibility that this could happen sooner than we think.

 

[Bimpy474]

[tgarve]

As much as Rafa has coached a few of the players on to better performances, one thing really stands out.

 

He’s spent over 60 million over three seasons on players that rarely play if at all. Total dross.

 

That’s a possible 6 x 10m players who could have come in and made a difference.

 

Or 3 x 20m.. even just three very decent players could have made a massive difference to this team.

 

I’m not even counting the free transfers who never played and but took up wage budget.

 

He’s bought poorly for the most part and I think this is probably the root of Ashley’s stance, or his excuse possibly for not backing him.

 

Sacking him will cost about 3 million (half a season) it’s not beyond the possibility that this could happen sooner than we think.

 

Probably the most cancerous post that's been done on here ever. Absolute cock waggon

[Guest chopey]

Not many facts in that post and no mention of the signings Rafa has been allowed to make have been desperation 6th choice Charnley panic buys but it wouldn't surprise me if Big Sam is here before Christmas and TBF the happy clappers and Sports Direct United are welcome to him.

[LRD]

As much as Rafa has coached a few of the players on to better performances, one thing really stands out.

 

He’s spent over 60 million over three seasons on players that rarely play if at all. Total dross.

 

That’s a possible 6 x 10m players who could have come in and made a difference.

 

Or 3 x 20m.. even just three very decent players could have made a massive difference to this team.

 

I’m not even counting the free transfers who never played and but took up wage budget.

 

He’s bought poorly for the most part and I think this is probably the root of Ashley’s stance, or his excuse possibly for not backing him.

 

Sacking him will cost about 3 million (half a season) it’s not beyond the possibility that this could happen sooner than we think.

 

Which are the players came in on a significant fee that didn't play much, bearing in mind the need for squad numbers? The only one I can think of is Jacob Murphy and even his fee isn't that significant in today's transfer climate.

 

Quote me a manager who gets every single penny spent on players correct, especially on a severely restricted budget. Especially how much he could spend without interference, he doesn't even know of for planning purposes.

 

3 x 20m. As if Ashley would allow a signing that exceeds our transfer record, let alone 20m. Stick to FM.

 

Ashley would love more fans to think like you.

[loki679]

Aye, do you seriously think Rafa isn't buying £20m players because he doesn't fancy it?

[Hhtoon]

They have burned out though, they're way below the standard they were at during our good runs earlier in the year. There's no wonder, like;  they've played out of their skin for two years and they've not been rewarded with any opportunity for progress. Even consummate professionals like the ones we've got will falter when there's fuck all to play for. Season 1: we need to get promoted. Season 2: we need to survive. There's no next step now; no intention to go further and the manager will be gone soon. We've already reached our ceiling and have now stagnated.

 

Not sure I agree but I've never been a professional footballer so I don't know. But, considering some of the players you have mentioned are ones that might need replacing then I'm not too sure how valid it is, and it's not like they agitated for a move in the summer so would indicate they're not that disillusioned.

Plus, any team from 12 downwards is kind of in the same boat. What are they playing for?

[Zero]

To be honest, I am not a fan of "buying for numbers". I know we needs cover but the likes of Gamaz Lazaar Blackburn captain etc really make me wonder why.  Not saying Rafa deserves the treatment but just I don't quite agree with his transfer decisions.

[Hhtoon]

To be honest, I am not a fan of "buying for numbers". I know we needs cover but the likes of Gamaz Lazaar Blackburn captain etc really make me wonder why.  Not saying Rafa deserves the treatment but just I don't quite agree with his transfer decisions.

 

More games in the championship with less turnaround so can understand the need for bodies.

[UncleBingo]

Aye, do you seriously think Rafa isn't buying £20m players because he doesn't fancy it?

 

Indeed. Quite staggering some of the 'thoughts' that go through some people's minds.

[Wilson]

 

'he's spent 60 million so should have bought 3 x 20 million players'

 

Not even sure where to start on that. Pure toss.

[Greg]

As much as Rafa has coached a few of the players on to better performances, one thing really stands out.

 

He’s spent over 60 million over three seasons on players that rarely play if at all. Total dross.

 

That’s a possible 6 x 10m players who could have come in and made a difference.

 

Or 3 x 20m.. even just three very decent players could have made a massive difference to this team.

 

I’m not even counting the free transfers who never played and but took up wage budget.

 

He’s bought poorly for the most part and I think this is probably the root of Ashley’s stance, or his excuse possibly for not backing him.

 

Sacking him will cost about 3 million (half a season) it’s not beyond the possibility that this could happen sooner than we think.

 

"Ah, but look at the team, look at the substitutes’ bench. By and large, they are his players. Yes, they are, and many were signed for the Sky Bet Championship, in desperation or did not figure among his top targets. And could anybody else have led such a limited group to tenth last season?"

 

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/newcastle-bottom-through-arrogance-and-lack-of-investment-not-rafa-benitez-lfkpj7n5x

[LRD]

Anyone has the full article?

[Greg]

Anyone has the full article?

 

Just register and you can read it.

[Altamullan]

I’ve lifted 24 signings from .com and made a judgement (relative cost and impact) as to whether they were good signings or not. I totally get that he has had to cut his cloth accordingly, but in terms of getting someone to do a job for us, it looks pretty 50-50 to me.

Gayle 10m good

Ritchie 12m good

Gamez free poor

Hayden 4m good

Hanley 5.5m poor

Clark 5m good

Diame 5m good

Yedlin 5m good

D. Murphy 3m good

Lazaar 3m poor

Atsu 6.2m good

Lejeune 8.7m good

Murphy 10m+ poor

Manquillo 4.5m poor

Merino 6.5m good

Joselu 5m poor

Kenedy loan good

Slimani loan poor

Dubravka 4m good

Ki Sungyeung free ?

Schar 3m ?

Muto 9.5m ?

Rondon loan ?

Fernandez 6m good

[Guest]

 

'he's spent 60 million so should have bought 3 x 20 million players'

 

Not even sure where to start on that. Pure toss.

 

Those 3x£20m would be on £100-120k a week. Ashley would not pay those wages. He’s still in the £40-60k bracket which is what £4-8m gets you.

[Shearergol]

 

'he's spent 60 million so should have bought 3 x 20 million players'

 

Not even sure where to start on that. Pure toss.

 

Pure tosh, you're right. 2 x 30 million players would be better.

[Paully]

Aye, do you seriously think Rafa isn't buying £20m players because he doesn't fancy it?

 

Indeed. Quite staggering some of the 'thoughts' that go through some people's minds.

 

Some of our fans are utter clueless idiots

[UncleBingo]

I’ve lifted 24 signings from .com and made a judgement (relative cost and impact) as to whether they were good signings or not. I totally get that he has had to cut his cloth accordingly, but in terms of getting someone to do a job for us, it looks pretty 50-50 to me.

Gayle 10m good

Ritchie 12m good

Gamez free poor

Hayden 4m good

Hanley 5.5m poor

Clark 5m good

Diame 5m good

Yedlin 5m good

D. Murphy 3m good

Lazaar 3m poor

Atsu 6.2m good

Lejeune 8.7m good

Murphy 10m+ poor

Manquillo 4.5m poor

Merino 6.5m good

Joselu 5m poor

Kenedy loan good

Slimani loan poor

Dubravka 4m good

Ki Sungyeung free ?

Schar 3m ?

Muto 9.5m ?

Rondon loan ?

Fernandez 6m good

 

You say it's 50/50, but you've got 13 good and 7 poor, with the jury still out on 4. Looks like he's done much better than 50/50 to me.